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For years the Lord has never really gotten great exposure on TV. Once in a while you will see good things, but it is rare. But in the past several years, PRAISE GOD!, He has begun using some of His servants to provide us with powerful tools in media – namely great Christian dvds for the individual and the whole family.
Following is a review of some awesome movies to see. If you haven’t seen them, you are STRONGLY encouraged to do so. If you know of a title that is not here and would like to, please feel free to write a review and submit it, and I will add it to this page.
Movie rating system = 1-10
Apocalypse is part one of 4 movies. They are independent; that is, they can be seen alone but work better together as a set. Written by brothers Peter and Paul Lalonde, CEO’s of Cloud Ten Pictures, they are intensely bible-based and evangelical in nature. They follow one main character, news lady Helen Hannah (Leigh Lewis) who stars in all four of them. Helen is an unbeliever, and the world stands on the brink of eternity. Suddenly, the Rapture of the Church occurs (the concept of the hit series Left Behind). This series does not focus on the Rapture, but on the world that is left behind, and how some become Believers and find themselves living in the Last Days.
Although I believe that part one is a bit low budget, it is not bad. It does set the stage for the others and is therefore necessary. One other character stars in all four, Antichrist himself, Franko Macalousso (Nick Mancuso) as the political leader who rises up to rule the world with an iron fist hidden in peace.
This stunning series has a number of big name stars appear as supporting cast. If you have never seen them and/or wish to build a Christian library, this is definitely a MUST-SEE set. Thank You Jesus!
Apocalypse ( 1998) Pt. 1 – R= 7+
Helen Hannah is a well known and much trusted and loved television newscaster. Aided by her boyfriend and fellow journalist Bronson Pearl (Richard Nester), they find themselves in the most horrible of all situations: sitting on the brink of World War 3, watching the world prepare to die before their very eyes as they report it. Dozens of atomic weapons are launched, massive bomb attacks begin. The end is here! Suddenly the most amazing thing happens: millions of people simply vanish like smoke in the air! When a political leader steps forward and makes an amazing claim, they realize that a deadly war has begun to be fought in earnest, and they must now run, not only for their lives but for their very souls! As the world is reshaped before their very eyes, they fight to sort out the facts as they realize that it is time to choose a side.
Revelation (1999) Pt. 2 – R= 8+
Three months have passed. We now follow O. N. E. agent (One Nation Earth) Thorald Stone (Jeff Fahey) whose life is in shambles. His wife and daughter have vanished, along with millions of other people, leaving the world in turmoil and chaos. Who can explain this? Is it the self-proclaimed Messiah, Franco Macalousso, or does the truth exist with the despised ‘Haters’ (the newborn Christians driven underground by the O.N.E. new world system)? Uncovering a possible conspiracy, agent Stone seeks to unravel the truth as the new world leader prepares to launch his upcoming new ‘Day Of Wonders.’ Who is right? Who is wrong? The stunning conclusion leaves Stone faced with a painful choice, the need to answer the question, “What do you believe?”
This movie is richly blessed with the character of Willie Spino (Spee-no) played wonderfully by Tony Nappo, who brings serious laughs and humor into a deadly serious themed movie. He slams home a stunning character role and deserves a nomination of some kind. I give him one with no hesitation. The breath-taking surprise conclusion contains no laughter though. SEE THIS MOVIE!
Tribulation (2000) Pt. 3 – R= 8
Backing up a few weeks before part one, we meet police detective Tom Canboro (Gary Busey) who enjoys life very much, despite his wife’s whacko brother Jason (Howie Mandell) and his strange Christian sister (Superman’s Margot Kidder). When Jason seems to become entangled in some psychic activity and pursued by dark forces, Tom struggles to make sense of what is going on. Is it mental illness, or is something deadly and sinister really unfolding? Suddenly his car seems to be controlled by other forces, propelling him into a stunning head-on collision with a large truck, and his world goes black.
Waking up from his coma months later, Tom finds himself in a strange new world where millions of people have not only vanished, but the remaining people seem to have no knowledge of their existence! The world is divided into two groups: those who proudly worship and passionately follow a self-proclaimed Messiah and have marks burned into their hands, and those known as ‘The Haters.’ His only hope seems to be in finding the underground for answers before he is forced to face his personal ‘Day Of Wonders.” Trapped in the middle ground between opposing sides, he is forced to join a battle as old as time, with eternity hanging in the balance.
Judgment (2001) Pt. 4 – R= 9
A courtroom drama, ‘The Trial of the Century’ places convicted Hater Helen Hannah in chains, one of the most hated human beings alive. A broken and troubled man, defense lawyer Mitch Kendrick (Corbin Bernsen) is told that he will defend her in the show trial to end all trials. Powerhouse Prosecutor Victoria Thorne (Jessica Steen of Left Behind 3) is not only Kendrick’s ex-girlfriend, but a bloodthirsty attorney with one goal : to watch all Haters die. She will run the closely scripted trial that will end with Helen’s death if Mitch will only play the game.
But as Mitch, ordered to ‘make it look real,’ digs into the evidence, he begins to feel doubts about his own beliefs, already hidden on a fence in the shadows. He feels suddenly that there is only one way to find the real truth, put God Himself on trial!
Guest-starring Mr. T (The A-Team) as a member of the underground who is plotting to work out Helen’s prison break, this stunning drama works toward an incredible ending which seeks the death of the Servants and judgment against Creator God Himself for crimes against His own creation.
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Left Behind (2000) - R= 8
Airline pilot Ray Steele is a troubled man. His home life is up in the air with his wife’s Christian beliefs and his son’s comments that arise from Sunday School. He has been playing with fire for a long time too, teasing pretty stewardess Hattie (Chelsea Noble, Kirk Cameron’s real wife). His rebellious daughter Chloe (Janaya Stevens) doesn’t help. Now, to top it all off, during his flight Hattie declares that she’s quitting, unless he gives her a reason not to. But just when he thought things were rough, they got far worse than he ever dreamed they could.
Kirk Cameron is Buck Williams, a famous face in tv journalism. He is working on a new story : an Israeli scientist has created a formula that will cause crops to grow in desert wastelands, promising a new hope for underfed millions. Then a massive air strike of Israel is suddenly stopped as enemy planes began blowing up for no reason at all. Flying home on Ray’s plane, suddenly the story takes a back seat as a far more interesting and terrifying story appears: in mid-flight dozens and dozens of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
All over the world, millions of people suddenly disappear. Unmanned cars, trucks, planes, trains and more suddenly become high-speed bombs as they crash where they land, adding to a chaos already unbelievable. In the midst of the chaos, one man stands ready to unite the world in peace : U. N. Leader Nicolae Carpathia.
Many of the lines in this movie are very poor, and very poorly delivered. Many others, at the same time are wonderful. The storyline itself is an interesting display of how the end times may play out. One notable performance is by Nicolae himself (Gordon Currie) who, as scripture clearly states, is completely human, a real person in politics, one whose heart is totally open to all rejection of Jesus Christ. He almost appears to be a puppet, until the time comes for him to take control, when Satan enters him. Despite the sometimes poor writing, the movie delivers a very good glimpse at the Rapture of the Church, and the beginnings of the end of the world for those who are Left Behind.
Left Behind 2 - Tribulation Force (2002) - R= 8+
It has been one week since this story began to unfold. The world is trying to recover and is coming together in a new unified way. Nicolae Carpathia is now the unchallenged President of Earth. As he grows in strength and control, the new Christians bond together with one common goal : preach the gospel and unveil him at all costs.
There are two mysterious men at the Wailing Wall in Israel. Could these men be the Witnesses spoken of in Revelation? Buck must try to get close to find out who they are and what they are doing, but he is assigned to another story : Rabbi Ben-Judah is preparing to unveil years of study that has conclusively named one man - the true Messiah.
Ray shares the gospel with a friend and then realizes that serving God is the thing to do and decides one thing : as a career pilot, maybe he can become part of Nicolae’s staff. Against strong opposition from his daughter Chloe (Janaya Stevens) , Ray offers himself into God’s will to serve in any way his Savior asks him to. Meanwhile, as Chloe grows closer to Buck, she suddenly finds confusion as she meets his aggressive tiger shark of an assistant Ivy (Krista Bridges) who is temporarily staying with him.
Part two is much better than the first one, mainly thanks to a wonderful powerhouse supporting cast. Janaya and Krista both deliver fantastic performances, believable and wonderful, solid pillars in the film. Pastor Bruce (Clarence Gilyard Jr.) does a great job as the hypocrite Pastor who was left behind to become a true Christian pastor in the Dark Days. Chelsea Noble returns as the once outspoken stewardess, now a solid right hand to Nicolae Carpathia. This is a solid hit.
Left Behind 3 - World At War (2005) - R= 8+
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The Passion Of The Christ (2004) - R= 10
This movie is without a doubt one of the most powerful films you will ever see. The early reports were all true; it is not a light movie. I had heard reports of emotional devastation beyond anything that any movie theater had ever seen. It was real. I waited for a while to see it, and when I did, I went into the theater that may have seated some 200 people to find it at least 80% full a few weeks after it’s release. The end of the movie left a room that made you think a terrorist had reached in through the door and tossed a grenade. At least 90% of the people were crying hard, deeply disturbed and tormented beyond words. No words were necessary or possible.
That said, if you have not seen it, it is an emotional freight train that will run you down, back up and hit you again. It is terrifyingly bloody and horribly savage, yet scripture clearly states that it wasn’t enough. Not one English word is spoken, but that only somehow adds to the underlying current in the air. If you are unfamiliar with the story, read the gospel accounts first.
This movie displays the last few hours of the flesh of Jesus Christ. Some flashbacks occur that are sweet and touching to say the least. There are many touching scenes with the Lord’s mother that are very endearing, although Catholicism tried once again to make her into some kind of god. She literally found the Lord with her senses, pinpointing His exact location through several feet of stone as He hung in a cell below her in the dungeon. That was wrong. Mary was a woman, and by her own words, a sinner and a servant of the Lord, nothing else.
There were a few other points that were mildly questionable, but nothing that caused the movie to seem like it was wrong or inaccurate. The presence of demons was a very good touch, as Jesus spent nearly a third of His ministry driving them out. Their presence was eerie and positively terrifying. Satan’s presence was at times displayed in female form, and scripture specifically names him as FATHER of lies, but we can deal with it.
The role of Pontius Pilate was questionable but I like the way it was done. He was in power, but was himself sliding down the ladder by demotion, and was himself about two steps away from his own cross. Less than ten years later he was dead by suicide (hanging). His wife Claudia was wonderfully portrayed by Claudia Gerini as a woman with emotion and heart, a wise helper to her husband and a gentle woman whose heart was open to her surroundings.
It is rumored that in the scene where the nail is driven into our Lord, (you only see the hands and the hammer) that director Mel Gibson demanded that moment for himself. Aware of his personal role in the death of Jesus, the hands with the hammer belong to Mel.
It is not possible for anyone, anywhere on earth to create a film of more intense impact or stunning importance. This film is something that you must see. See it. But don’t have any plans immediately afterwards.
The Climb (2002) – R= 10
In this intense ice and snow mountain drama, two climbers temporarily forced together for a rescue mission find themselves as uneasy partners in the adventure of a lifetime.
Dereck Williams (Jason George) is a hotshot climber who wants to prove to the world he can do it himself. Teamed up with Christian “Safety-Man” Michael Harris (Ned Vaughn), another stunning professional world-class climber, they are given a fully funded assent up one of the most deadly monstrous mountains in the world in the Chilean Andes. The battle doesn’t begin on the slopes however, it is a test of wills, a question of faith and beliefs that begins immediately and doesn’t stop until the stunning conclusion.
This movie contains at the very end one of the most stunning, breath-taking visual performance of what Jesus Christ did that I have ever seen. This is a real event, nothing to do with a cross, and this movie is, of all the movies I own, one of the most powerful evangelical films you can own. Bring your friends in to see it, pray first, then let them see the gospel in a way you never thought you would see in your living room. This is an amazing drama adventure movie. If you do not own this and you want to serve the Lord with DVDS, you must get this movie!
The Nativity Story (2006) – R= 9
The times were very cruel and hard. Israel was a conquered land, home to the invading army of Rome. The Hebrews struggled to resist Rome, struggled even to survive. Some bowed down to the new rulers, but some remembered the covenant promises of their Hebrew God and waited for His promises to be fulfilled. In the midst of these times, a stunning thing occurs in the heart and life of one young Hebrew girl named Mary: the Living God comes to her with a promise that will change all mankind forever.
Keisha Castle-Hughes delivers a heartbreaking and beautiful performance as young Mary, told she was about to be carrying a child in a society which immediately dragged such unwed young girls out of town and savagely beat them to death. Oscar Isaac delivers an equally wonderful performance as Joseph, promised to Mary and asked to believe something no man has ever heard of in his life. Follow them as they journey through an adventure that changed their lives, and the lives of all humanity forever. This one is definitely MUST SEE!
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) - R= 9
The story of the life of Jesus, from the beginning of His ministry to His death on the cross. For 1965 it was a very nice piece of work. Jesus was wonderfully portrayed by Max Von Sydow (who, interestingly enough went on to star as Satan in Stephen King’s ‘Needful Things.’ I guess he wanted to take a look at both sides before he cast his vote!) We see the disciples called to Him slowly as He begins to share a new message to the Israelites: the love and forgiveness of God, not just wrath and anger.
Supported by a wonderful cast of names such as Charlton Heston (John the Baptist), Telly Savalas (Pontius Pilate), Roddy MacDowall (Matthew) and more, it was very pleasant to watch. The only serious flaw was when Judas casts himself into the flames at the altar when scripture clearly allows us to see that he hanged himself from a tree, whose branch later breaks under his weight, dropping him off a cliff or embankment of some kind and landing on rocks, tearing his dead body open.
Lacking special effects or desire or something, the resurrection was not done well, but it was shown to some extent. At the cross we suddenly see a cameo performance of a Roman guard as witness : “Surely this was the Son of God!” Surely that was the voice of John Wayne! LOL This movie is definitely worth seeing.
Facing The Giants (2006) – R= 9
In his six years as coach of Christian Academy’s Shiloh Eagles, football-loving Grant Taylor has never had a serious winning season. He just kind of breaks even. Suddenly, it seems like everything is against him, and everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and does. Faced with the thought of throwing in the towel, he is forced to question his faith and answer the question that he posed to his seemingly sterile wife : “If the Lord doesn’t give us ----, will you still love Him?”
This is a story of a Christian family and their struggles as they go through hard times, tested in every way. It is an uplifting and very encouraging film. Look for the funny trivia dialogue in the locker room following the famous “Who’s on first?” skit by the awesome assistant coaches J.T. Hawkins Jr. and Tracy Goode, who provide stunning performances and real laughter. This is a wonderful film that will touch your heart again and again.
Evan Almighty (2007) – R= 9
Junior congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) wants to change the world. Little does he know, he is about to! As he and his family move to a new town and a wonderful new career, a sudden and stunning thing happens to the hot new spotlight congressman : God (Morgan Freeman) talks to him!
God has a job for the man who wants to change the world : build Me an ark! Trying hard to deny these meetings and requests, Baxter finds out that God can be rather persistent when He wants to be, when wood shows up on the front lawn (notice the telephone number stamped on the lumber!) The harder the confused and terrified congressman tries to deny it, the harder the Lord tries to convince him. There is no escaping the plan; Evan must build an ark. Can he do it without being hospitalized?
I thought this movie may be a bad idea, maybe irreverent, but went to see it. I was so wrong, I highly recommend it! This drop-dead funny modern day comedy leaves people not only laughing, but watching a man interact with God Almighty, and then seeing that God knows what He is talking about! The improbable and highly unlikely can be possible if God commands it and you will do it, and that is exactly what you will see. With a wonderful supporting cast, including performances from Laren Graham, John Goodman and many others, Evan Almighty is a stunning, funny smash hit that everyone should see. Special mention for comic support goes to Evan’s assistant, Rita (Wanda Sykes) who is fantastic and couldn’t possibly have been replaced by anyone else in the world. GET THIS MOVIE. Scripture says that, …‘Jesus wept.’ Watch this, and know that He laughs too!
Road To Redemption (2001) – R= 8+
Amanda Tucker is in big trouble when a get-rich-quick scheme blows up in her face. Now she needs money – a lot of money fast. The only one who can help her is her long-lost rich grandfather, but all he wants to do is go fishing! Chased by the mob and her whimpy boyfriend, Amanda must fulfill the terms of an agreement to earn her help from Nathan. A mob hitman, a runaway train and a biker gang are only a few of the ordeals she must encounter as she desperately tries to undo what she has done as she travels down the road to redemption.
This is a good-natured comedy with a serious message. Not only is it full of laughs and fun adventure, it delivers the gospel message very well. You’re on the road to redemption. Buckle up!
The Ride (1997) – R= 8+
Smokey Banks (Michael Biehn- Alien 2-The Rock-The Terminator) used to be one of the greatest bull riders in rodeo. But for the last few years this has-been cowboy has been riding the bookie and the bottle more, and taking a far worse beating than any bull ever delivered. Now, through a strange and sudden set of events, he is given an option : go to jail, or be a cowboy teacher at a Boy’s Ranch.
Saddled with a dozen young boys wild as any bull he ever faced, his mission was simple: teach young Danny (Brock Pierce) how to ride a bull. Very reluctantly, Smokey agrees, not realizing that Danny will be far more of a teacher to him than he ever dreamed.
With special appearance by Franklin Graham, The Ride delivers the humor, the action, the adventure, and most importantly, the second chance that everyone needs.
The Chronicles Of Narnia : The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005) – R= 8+
Prepare to enter another world with this timeless adventure from C. S. Lewis. It is World War II and the city is not a safe place for children, so they all find shelter elsewhere. Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmond (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell) and Peter (William Moseley) find safety in a large old mansion in the countryside owned by a mysterious and private old professor. They find much more than that suddenly when a game of hide-and-seek takes them to a large old wardrobe in an empty attic room. Stepping into the wardrobe, they find themselves transported into another world! This magical world dazzles them with giants, dwarfs, talking animals, fauns and centaurs, all trapped in a world locked into eternal winter by the evil White Witch Jardis (superbly played by Tilda Swinton). The Witch is at war with the mighty Lion Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson) and on the lookout for a prophecy to be fulfilled, one that calls for Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve to come and change the world.
With a stunning blend of reality and animation, this movie brings the children of Adam face to face with the Lion (modeled after the Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Jesus Christ). What follows is the battle between the evil ruler of the world and the Lion who offers to pay the only price that can make it right. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is clearly displayed, and followed by the resurrection 3 days later. We close with a Lion who was meek the first time around, not so meek the second time. As the faun points out, “Be careful, He’s NOT a tame Lion!”
This is a stunning fantasy adventure with a powerful display of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, very well done and highly recommended. Fit for all ages, filled with excellent humor and dazzling special effects, it will please your senses again and again. Although sequels in this series do not fit this category at all, this movie stands proudly in the Christian library. MUST SEE!
Luther (2003) – R= 8+
The life of German monk Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes -1483-1546-), who became sickened by the sinfulness and depravity running unchecked through the Catholic Church and through Rome like a plague. He described Rome as, …‘a circus, a running sewer, where you can buy anything from sex to salvation, and they also have brothels just for clerics.’
Luther had been transferred to Rome to teach theology in a time when his faith was most badly shaken. Seeing members of the church extorting money from everyone in the name of building St. Peter’s church, as well as freeing already departed souls from hell, he realized that these actions could not be justified with Scripture, something the common man did not have. He began teaching openly from the Scriptures themselves, breaking violently with catholic tradition and launching the great revolt, or the Protestant Reformation. The church immediately tried to silence him and eventually seized and burned all his writings. By then it was too late. Tried as a heretic, he was ordered to recant (take it all back). He refused and shortly thereafter was taken away for protection. Believing Luther martyered, the uprising swept quickly out of control. Known as the Peasants’ War of 1524-1525, many common villagers were brutally killed before the smoke cleared.
At this time, Luther was translating the New Testament into German to place the Bible into the hands of the people, an unheard-of concept. As the power struggle over control of the word of God and the minds of the people sweeps on, Martin takes a wife and continues to speak against the false teachings of the Church.
This was very interesting and encouraging to watch, definitely a must-see.
Last Flight Out (2004) – R= 8
Pilot Dan Hogan doesn’t have much of a career anymore. Ever since his tragic crash that killed his friend, he has been doing other, less-than-glamorous jobs, like small aircraft repo work. When his friend’s father comes to him for help, he is reluctant to say the least. That is, until he discovers the problem. His friend’s sister, his ex-girlfriend, medical missionary Ann Williams is in trouble. The drug lord runs the region she is living in, using villagers at all cost as free laborers. War is there and all other missionary teams and workers are pulling out. But not Annie. She is dedicated to taking her supplies, and her Savior, to the bush. Dan must fly in and talk her into getting out before it’s too late.
For him it is a simple mission: fly in and get the girl. But he doesn’t know this girl anymore. She is not who she used to be, and before he leaves, he will be forced to realize that it is Jesus Christ, and not himself, who is the last hope, the last ride there is, the Last Flight Out.
This is a stirring, heart-touching evangelical adventure film from the Billy Graham movies line. It is a very good film and should be seen.
Something To Sing About (2000) – R= 7+
If you’re a black man and a felon on the streets, how do you live? Tommy (Darius McCrary of TV’s Family Matters) is looking for work, and life. The streets don’t have much to offer though, and there isn’t much hope; that is, until he catches the eye (or ear) of Memaw (Irma P. Hall). Determined to take this young singer to her church with her, Memaw befriends Tommy before he hooks up with his old friend G-Smooth (Rashaan Nall’s excellent debut). Provided with a job, a church, a possible new friend in Memaw’s beautiful young granddaughter (TV Sister, Sister star Tamera Mowry) Tommy finds a new life, with something to dream of, something to hope for, Something To Sing About!
This is an adventure, mild-drama feel good movie. Although Tommy’s life may not be the most accurate picture of the average new Christian life, it is entertaining and well worth the time. There is an evangelical display at the end. I think if you watch this you will not regret it.
The Ten Commandments (1956) - R= 7+
Cecil B. DeMille strikes again. This movie is probably overwhelmingly way off, but it is entertainment, and it does have a great deal of scripture in it. We start out with the Hebrew people, who a few hundred years ago came to Egypt to survive a terrible famine. Ironically, Egypt was saved then by the God who directed His servant Joseph to plan for the hard times. However, things have changed and the current Pharaoh is not so caring to the Hebrews of Goshen.
They now are slaves, horribly abused by the iron fist of Egypt, but they remember the promises of God, primarily that there would be a Deliverer, one who would lead the people out of Egypt. When word of the prophecy reaches the ears of Pharaoh, he determines to end it by killing all the newborn boys. God provides for one special boy, however, and Moses is saved from death and raised in the palace of Egypt. There he remains until he discovers his Hebrew ties and rejects his upbringing. Driven out by a crafty soon-to-be new Pharaoh, he takes shelter in Midian for forty years before returning to be the Deliverer God promised to His people.
This movie is full of powerhouse performances, featuring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Edward G. Robinson, Vincent Price and John Dereck, sultry screen star Bo Dereck’s father, as Joshua. Many other names also slam home hard-and-fast performances to make this an entertaining, if not altogether accurate film. We leave Moses on a mountain top, watching as the people begin their approach of the Jordan River and the Promised Land with new leader Joshua going before them.
It is very flashy theater fun and will give a basic overview of the plan of God unfolding in the Hebrew people.
Ben-Hur (1959) - R= 7+
This movie is called a Christian movie by some. I can barely put it here. In this nearly 4-hour movie, Jesus spends about five minutes in it, total. It is not a Christian movie, although it is in biblical times and does contain some scripture and biblical themes. The Lord’s Sermon on the Mount is displayed from a distance, as well as the crucifixion at the end. There is a beautiful display of Jesus briefly, as the enslaved Judah Ben Hur is taken in a slave caravan to the boats, where it is assumed he will row until he is dead, part of Rome’s forced labor in the Navy. Badly deprived of water, the slaves all stagger into a small village, possibly Nazareth, and begin to drink from the well. One guard demands that Ben Hur get no water, yet Jesus gives it to him. We see Jesus from back view as a desperate Judah takes the water from his hand, then we see his face, and what comes over it as he gazes into the eyes of Jesus Christ. (In an interesting and theatrical turn of events, the scene is reversed at the crucifixion.) The angry guard stalks up to Jesus and prepares to be ruthless, until he too finds himself lost in the eyes of the One who created him. Slowly, he deflates, and walks away, stunned and confused.
For the most part, the movie is a story about a Hebrew man and his boyhood Roman friend, two powerful men who grew up on separate sides of a war, the choices they make and the road that is their lives as they each fight with power and determination to fulfill their destinies at all cost. One of the most big-screen famous movie scenes of all is the stunning chariot race in the end. This is an entertaining movie and has value. It is also worth noting that it won a staggering total of 11 Academy Awards, a record unchallenged for nearly forty years, until the 1997 sailing of the Titanic.
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THE BIBLE SERIES
The Bible : In The Beginning (2000) – R= 8
This movie is very well done and is faithful to God's word, walking us through the first 22 chapters of Genesis. The creation account is accurate and is well acted. Eve is very touching as a mother loving her infant child. The fall from grace was accurately displayed, with woman being deceived and leading man into downfall; with man first blaming the woman, the the Lord Himself (had he thought about the serpent, he would have blamed him as well) and their expulsion from the garden of Eden.
The flood account was delightful and wonderfully done with director John Houston in the role of Noah as the faithful and unwavering man of God. He almost made it a comedy in places, giving us a very pleasant chuckle here and there. Way to go! An excellent view of their lives for about a year, living in a large barn / zoo and working 7 days a week to tend the animals that the Lord led to them! Faithful to the Word, it was superbly done!
The jump to the Tower of Babel was a very good view of how it may have unfolded as the Lord commanded people to spread out and fill the world, and they refused. So He helped them a little with sudden multiple languages.
Jump to Abraham, (George C. Scott) and we sadly slide downhill a bit. He reads his lines as though he's in some cheesy Shakespeare film (one love scene he does with Sarai was horrible, so dreadful that Shakespeare himself would roll over in his grave and gag, after you see it once you WILL fast forward through it forever in future viewings.) Although the facts were accurate it was a sick poetic hammy act. One scene of Abraham, sacrificing to the Lord in covenant (the dividing of the animals) was nearly slasher movie creepy, a bit more graphic than necessary and requires a pg 13 rating possibly. The film never regains greatness once George steps into the light, although the historical accuracy is there, all the way to the sacrifice, with the child Isaac tied down, and the knife in the air.
Overall, this movie is very good, accurate and faithful to the word of God. If you wish to see a movie about creation and historical fact, if you want to build a Christian library, this is a wonderful place to start. GET THIS DVD, and be sure to check it's accuracy with a true and faithful version of the Word of God yourself. Thank You Lord for a wonderful view of history.
Jacob (1994) - R= 8
The life of Jacob, who was to become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Joss Ackland has a cameo performance in the beginning as Isaac, the father who (I believe never really recovered from that near sacrifice, so never had a warm relationship with God) refused to accept his wife’s words, that two men were within her body, and the younger rules the older. Thinking he was about to die, he insisted on blessing the firstborn, one of the beginning events that led to Jacob’s journey away from his home into an exile of more than 20 years. It begins there and follows what can only be called a life of heartbreak and poor choices that was still blessed by a loving and forgiving God. (Please compare in Scripture the servant of Isaac seeking a wife for his master to this.) Jacob, although seeing God descend before his very eyes, arrived and saw Rachael and TOLD God that she was the one. (Had he only ASKED instead, Rachael may have been the mother of the twelve.) From there he stumbles from one poor choice to another as he works for years to earn the hand of the woman he loves, only to be swindled out of her hand and put into bed with another woman. From one woman to two, to four, Jacob flourishes as the hand of the Lord protects him and delivers him from his enemies before finally calling him back to the land of promise.
This movie is accurate with Scripture and is supported by a powerful performance from Matthew Modine as Jacob. Laura Flynn Boyle delivers well as Rachael, the beloved one, Juliet Aubrey breaks your heart as Rachael’s sister Leah, the woman not loved, forced by her father into the bed of the man who doesn’t want her. Other wonderful actors deliver well, making the story of Jacob an accurate and satisfying look at ancient Hebrew history.
The Story Of Joseph (2003) - R= 8+
It’s no secret that if you get a talented group of actors and actresses, focus more on accurate details instead of flashy special effects, take your time and do your homework, you can create a masterpiece. They did that. Here it is.
Filmed in Morocco, North Africa, the story of Joseph begins in the slave market with a young Semite (non-Egyptian) man, and soon goes into Joseph’s flashback life story to Potiphar, the Pharaoh’s Chief Servant (stunningly played by Ben Kingsley). Joseph (Paul Mercurio) has been sold into slavery by his ten brothers, some of whom hate him with a stunningly brutal ruthlessness based on rivalry. Accused of attempted rape, his life hangs in the balance and he speaks in his defense. A good portion of the film is spent in his early life and the life of his father Jacob; the wives, the trials, the sons and their journey along the path of life. The story is about Joseph, but Judah is singled out a bit as well, being the head of the tribe that would produce the flesh of Jesus Christ, ‘The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.’ The word of God is honored as the script of the movie, and the multitudes of supporting cast cause this film to be a solid hit, a real trophy in the annals of Bible movies.
Stefano Dionisi was fantastic as Pharaoh, challenged by terrifying dreams and one man who offered the answer to them. Warren Clarke delivers a wonderful role as Ednan, the cold-hearted slave overseer who has no real love or respect for the new Semite slave who can only pray to his father’s God. When Joseph becomes ruler of all Egypt, Potiphar tells him that he needs a chief servant and he goes to Ednan, who delivers a heartbreaking line on his knees before Joseph : “To serve you would be a great honor, but my sins against you are many.” Many others team up to deliver powerhouse performances. Ending with the caravan of Jacob’s house entering Egypt in the times of famine, this movie does not leave you hungry, it is wonderful view of the beginnings of a people whose God would soon change the world forever. MUST SEE!
Samson And Delilah (1949) - R= 7-
This is an old Hollywood movie from Cecil B. DeMille who gave us the way-over-the-top Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. Re-inventing the phrase ‘took some liberties,’ the movie was probably as far from accurate as you can get, but it got some things right and was entertaining if nothing else. Victor Mature was very good in his role as Samson. Hedy Lamarr was stunning as Delilah. All I could think of was Scarlett O’Hara with vicious attitude (more than she actually had in Gone...). Most of the other characters were sad, but remember, 1949! If you want to watch a bible movie, yeah ok, it will do, but please don’t use it to teach. Please remember this golden rule : Where Scripture does NOT speak loudly, we should not either.
Esther (1999) - R= 8
Following the conquest of the mighty Babylon, the King of Persia gives a banquet for his advisors and other nobles. After days of drinking, he calls for his trophy, the beautiful Queen Vashti to come present herself. In a stunning act of defiance, the proud woman refuses and begins a chain of events orchestrated by God Himself, designed to provide His beloved people with a defender in the land of their conquerors.
This movie follows scripture well and watching it is very much like reading it. The biggest (and maybe only) issue I have with it is this: The King chooses to bring into his presence all the young untouched virgins to choose a wife and as always, when scripture says virgin female someone decides that means early to mid-twenties. I strongly believe that Esther, like Mary, was in her early teens, 13-16 years old, not 27! Yet Ester is powerfully and wonderfully played by Louise Lombard, with F. Murray Abraham as her guardian and the one Hebrew who refuses to fall at the feet of the proud, power hungry evil Haman, the king’s most trusted right-hand man. Future leaders Nehemiah and Ezra are displayed well, as well as delightful performances from Phil Davies as Hegai (He-guy-HAHA) the chief eunuch (castrated male) in charge of the harem and John Hollis as Harbona, the eunuch attendant to the Queen.
We begin with the search for the new queen and see political intrigue in the court of the King, power struggles in the council, and sometimes heated debates among the Hebrews who have been granted release after decades of captivity in a foreign land. We build toward Haman’s growing hatred of Mordecai the Jew and his plot to gain power in the throne room and carry out the extermination of the Jews.
Overall, Esther is a wonderful look at the story of a Hebrew girl who became Queen and fought to save her people.
Jeremiah (1998) - R= 8
Jeremiah, one of the major prophets of the old testament, (who lived and preached at the same time as Ezekiel), is shown here as the Lord’s chosen voice to a rebellious and sinful nation on the verge of dreadful conquest and exile.
Although I have not thoroughly studied Jeremiah for comparison, it seems to be a fairly good view of the Hebrews and their determination to lead themselves, and listen to false prophets, with the monstrous Babylonians just one heartbeat away.
Patrick Dempsey delivers well as Jeremiah (although looks more like someone who would be cast as a Jesus!), the reluctant prophet sent to cry out words of impending doom mixed with hope and restoration to a nation unwilling to hear. It is a good movie; there is only one major flaw. The Lord is often displayed in His word as God the Father, God the Son and/or God the Holy Spirit. In a stunningly horrible act that I consider staggeringly blasphemous, the Lord is displayed here twice in the form of a little girl declaring, “I AM GOD!” Get this and do not miss it: I do NOT speak against women, the Lord loves them and has worked through them in a mighty way, but the Lord HAS NEVER presented Himself EVER to us in female form!
Nonetheless, I resisted the urge to throw the dvd away. The scenes were small and only lasted a minute. The rest of the movie was very good, and I have seen it several times. This is scripture we are talking about. If it does not follow the book well, throw it away. If you want Hollywood entertainment, go watch Star Wars or Rambo. If you want the accurate word of God, find it and watch it. I’ve thrown self-proclaimed ‘bible’ movies away because they re-write scripture to make an entertaining movie. Follow the book, or get a different story to tell, but don’t re-write the bible!
This is a good movie. Please don’t elevate any movie above the word though.
The Gospel Of John (2003) - R= 8
The Gospel of John is displayed here, nearly word for word from the New Testament, narrated in places by Christopher Plummer and starring Henry Ian Cusick as Jesus. The film is faithful to the word of God and follows the life of Jesus from the beginning of His ministry to the end of the gospel. The locations are beautiful and much of the film is very well done. The relationship between Jesus and Mary was very well done, and Mary was not improperly displayed in any way. Some matters were disputable as expected, the most obvious being the appearance of Jesus, and therefore all the men in sight. Scripture describes Jesus as common looking, and Paul speaks of men in their culture having long hair as being disgraced, and yet once again Jesus is the most beautiful lead guitarist you’ve ever seen. We can overlook the long hair though and be pleased with everything else.
The disciples were very well portrayed, as were the Pharisees and priests. The blending of actors’ lines with narration was very nicely done and pleasing, when at first I feared that narration would ruin the movie. The end of the movie was not terribly brutal, as was The Passion Of The Christ, so it wasn’t a crippling film. It was offered in a 2-hour film and the extended, original 3-hour presentation. This is a good film that should be seen.
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Posted by mckenzie2467 on 2009-07-28 18:42:57 | Rating: | Views: 4452 |
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