The Lost Battalion

It began on October 2nd, 1918, when the men of the U.S. Army's 77th Division, 308th Battalion were surrounded by German troops in the Argonne Forest. Without food, water or reserve ammunition, cut off from supply and communication lines, they managed to hold off the enemy until they were finally rescued.

What an incredible story. I cringed, I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t look, I couldn’t move, I screamed. My heart was broken, my spirits lifted. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a moving story. The DVD has a documentary with it also that is a must see. The bravery and the sacrifice of these men turned the course of the war, but at great loss. The film is void of bad language or sex, but it is very violent, and very, if not too, bloody. The horrors of war are graphically displayed, and goodness and honor are championed in our hero, a New York lawyer-pacifist who commands a battalion of lower east side New Yorkers. -->Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to The Lost Battalion

Always

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this affecting remake of A Guy Named Joe stars Richard Dreyfuss as brash Pete Sandich, a firefighting pilot who dies in the line of duty but returns as a guardian angel to fledgling aviator Ted Baker (Brad Johnson). Pete's task takes an unexpected twist, however, when Ted begins falling for Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter) -- the girl Pete left behind. Audrey Hepburn plays a seraph in her final big-screen appearance.

This show has a little language problem. I still like it though. I really like flying sequences and there are plenty of those in this one. I also like Richard Dreyfuss who plays a roll that’s perfect for him. John Goodman appears in this, one of his first big rolls. Great love story, and funny. I thought Audrey Hepburn was a real plus for the film, and interestingly, her last. ->Kimball * * * *

Netflix link to Always

Country Remedy

Hoping to land his dream job at a Chicago hospital, the recently widowed Dr. Evan Gibbs (Cameron Bancroft) agrees to spend the summer setting up a clinic in the North Carolina mountains. But he and his 10-year-old son (Aidan Mitchell) have a tough time winning over the locals. This bighearted family film features a colorful cast of small-town characters including Bellamy Young as the mayor and Mickey Jones as an often inebriated handyman.

This is a nice film about small town values. It will hit close to home for some of us who have lived in hickville. It moves a slow pace, and is rather predictable, but has it’s good moments. The best acting in the film comes from Bellamy Young. I’ve seen her in a few things, and she hasn’t disappointed me. The film is innocent enough for a Sunday watch. One of the things that really stuck out to me was that the children and youth in this film were respectful to their parents, and that’s something you don’t see much in movies any more. ->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to A Country Remedy

The Final Season

Tiny Norway, Iowa, loves baseball; games played by the high school team, the Tigers, unite the community. So when authorities decide the town is too small for its own school, the residents are devastated. Now, rookie coach Kent Stock (Sean Astin) must lead the Tigers to victory for one last season. Based on a true story, this touching drama co-stars Powers Boothe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Michael Angarano, Larry Miller and Tom Arnold.

This was a nice film. A bit slow, not high quality acting, but nice. It’s a good story, and worth seeing. The baseball sequences are very good, and believable. Sean Astin did alright with his roll, but I just couldn’t quite let go of him as Frodo’s buddy Sam. He wasn’t a very convincing coach. The film is a good relaxer. ->Kimball * * *

Netflix link toThe Final Season

I.Q.

Meg Ryan stars as Catherine, the cerebral and perfectly logical niece of scientific genius Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau), in this 1994 romantic comedy. When Catherine and her egghead fiancé (Stephen Fry) stop at a gas station, they meet Ed (Tim Robbins), a mechanic who immediately falls for Catherine. But can a guy who works with his hands win a girl ruled by her brain? With the help of a meddling Einstein, it's "relatively" possible.

I know everyone’s probably seen this movie, but I thought I’d put in my two bits anyway. I like it. I think it’s clever, and funny. Albert Eienstein (Walter Matthau) and his other scientist friends are hilarious. The humor is sometimes a little to quick and hidden but funny. And what can I say about Meg Ryan. I’m in love with her. She’s always been one of my favorites. Aside from a few sexual innuendos this film is pretty innocent. It can’t be classed as one of the "Romantic Comedy Greats" but it’s not bad. ->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to I.Q.

Horatio Hornblower

Acclaimed author C.S. Forester's epic seafaring adventure series (set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars) comes to video with gripping intensity, courtesy of the A&E Network. Ion Gruffudd cuts a handsome figure as the intrepid Capt. Hornblower and is ably assisted by co-stars Robert Lindsay, Jamie Bamber and Paul Copley. So, pull out your cutlass and get ready to "shiver your timbers"!

This is a great adventure. This film is really worth watching for several reasons. The historical background, the acting, the filming, the realism. A true hero is Capt. Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd). I really enjoyed this mini-series. ->Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to Horatio Hornblower

City of Ember

Bill Murray, Tim Robbins and Martin Landau star in this adventure set in Ember, a city illuminated only by artificial light. When the city's generator begins to fail, two teens race to solve an ancient mystery and save Ember's citizens from darkness. Based on author Jeanne Duprau's enchanting children's tale, City of Ember stars Harry Treadaway and Saoirse Ronan as the two heroic teens. Toby Jones and Mary Kay Place co-star.

Strange, but fun for the younger kids. Too many unbelievable and unrealistic action scenes made it a bit silly. However, it was an interesting story. A city built underground to last 200 years while the surface of earth recuperates from bad management. No bad language, not sexual innuendos, in all it was pretty clean. Bill Murray didn’t have a very large roll but he still outclassed everyone else. Worth watching, but not as the main feature. –>Kimball * * *

Netflix link to City of Ember

Valkyrie

Wounded in Africa during World War II, Col. Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) returns to his native Germany and joins the Resistance, becoming involved in a daring plan to create a shadow government and assassinate Hitler. Soon, events dictate that he become a central player -- and he finds himself tasked with both leading the coup and personally killing Hitler. Based on true events, this drama co-stars Stephen Fry, Bill Nighy and Eddie Izzard.

A good drama, but not really a war picture. The previews led me to think this was an action war film, but instead it was a suspenseful drama. I did really enjoy the movie for it’s historical content, and compelling story. I’m not a big Tom Cruise fan but he gave a great performance in the film. The bravery and courage of the coup is inspiring and helps one understand that not everyone under a dictator likes what he is doing. In fact, as portrayed in the film most of Germany’s citizens were as much victims of Hitler as were his conquered and gassed subjects. –>Kimball * * * *

Netflix link to Valkyrie

The Mayor of Casterbridge

In this movie based on a Thomas Hardy classic, a man of power named Michael Henchard (Ciaran Hinds) tries to hold onto what he can when his once-tidy life unravels after the public discovers that, long ago, Michael sold his wife and daughter to a sailor at a fair in a fit of drunkenness. Shamed into changing his ways, he becomes a model citizen, only to be confronted by his mistake decades later.

This is great film about how your actions can come back to haunt you. The question is, how will you deal with it when it does. It’s always better to fix things soon, and not run away from your deeds. If you did it, you will have to live with it. –>Kimball * * * *

Netflix link to The Mayor of Casterbridge

Harry's War

When his aunt dies, Harry Johnson (Edward Herrmann) inherits her ongoing battle with the Internal Revenue Service. Up against the wall, Harry decides to fight back, declaring war on the IRS. Using the media to help fuel his cause, he engages in a David-and-Goliath struggle that makes him a hero for the common man. Geraldine Page, David Ogden Stiers, Salome Jens and Elisha Cook Jr. co-star.

This is a film for all those tax hating weirdos out there who aren’t "patriotic" at heart. It’s funny, but then again it’s not so funny. You’ll laugh at this one. –>Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to Harry's War

The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn

Small-town farmer Noah Dearborn (Sidney Poitier) lives an uncomplicated existence till shady developer Christian Nelson (George Newbern) tries to usurp his family's land. Nelson will do anything to take Noah's property, including hiring a shrink (Mary-Louise Parker) to have him declared insane. What Nelson doesn't anticipate is Noah forming an unbreakable bond with the doctor that proves stronger than anything the land baron can dish out.

This is really a good film. I must admit that I really like Sidney Poitier, but this is just a good film. Who wouldn’t love this guy. This story shows that service, and just being a good person can make everyone love you, and one person, can bring an entire community together. I think you’ll like this one. –>Kimball * * * * *

link to The Simple Life Noah Dearborn

I Am David

Based on Anne Holm's novel North to Freedom, I Am David chronicles the struggles of a 12-year-old boy (Ben Tibber) who manages to flee a Communist concentration camp through sheer will and determination. All he has in his possession is a loaf of bread, a letter to deliver to someone in Denmark and a compass to help get him there. Co-stars James Caviezel and Joan Plowright.

This is a great story. It doesn’t move very fast, and might be a good Sunday afternoon film. The story is about young David’s escape and his journey to somewhere he only knows as north to find his mother, who’s memory is fading. With the help of some, and trouble from others, he makes his way against incredible odds. Love can be a powerful motivator. Good family flick. –>Kimball * * * *

link to I Am David

End of the Spear

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

I wasn’t sure about posting this one, but after consideration I decided it was worthy of viewing. The filming is incredible, and the native scenes are well done. The story is a bit slow at times, but worth seeing. There are scenes of violence that young children should watch. Forgiveness and change are the themes of this film. –>Kimball * * *

link to End of the Spear

Amazing Grace

Based on a true story, this historical drama starring Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans. Director Michael Apted's (Coal Miner's Daughter) powerful film also stars Albert Finney, Michael Gambon and Rufus Sewell.

This is a powerful film. Ioan Gruffurdd as William Wilberforce delivers a command performance. I had to follow him to other films as a result of seeing this one. And he has not let me down yet. This story is "Amazing" and inspiring. This man risked all to do what he knew was right. He was successful, and amazingly, slavery was abolished in England long before it was in America. His courage and faith are an example to us today, as we see morality and faith eroding, and no one, especially politicians, are willing to do anything about it. Where are the William Wilberforces of today? ->Kimball * * * * *

link to Amazing Grace

Goodnight Mr. Tom

A bitter old man is transformed when he takes in a war refugee in this moving Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Michelle Magorian's World War II novel. When young Willie (Nick Robinson) is evacuated from London and sent to live in a small village, grumpy Tom (John Thaw) begrudgingly agrees to harbor the boy. Gradually, Tom manages to coax the distrustful lad from his shell, and when it's time for Willie to return to London, the two realize the depth of their bond.

This is a good family film. Except for a few moments when Willie is abused, physically by his mother, this film has little to be offended by. The story is heartwarming with scenes of humor, and sadness mixed with hope and courage. Grumpy old Tom is transformed as Willie fills a void in his heart, and Willie find his own salvation by the hands of the one who won’t love him instead of the one who should have. The love that builds is a testimony that even the hardest of hearts can be changed. –>Kimball****

link to Goodnight Mr. Tom

Frequency

Ever since he was a kid, John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel) has dreamed of changing the events that took his fireman father's (Dennis Quaid) life on October 12, 1969. Then, through a series of miraculous events, John communicates with his dad and attempts to change the grisly outcome of that fateful day. But by entwining the past, present and future, John gets much more than he bargained for.

I thought this film was well acted and directed. It has some moments of intense violence, and a little bit of gore, too intense for the little guys. I enjoyed the message though. Love extends beyond the expanse of time and space, and redemption, forgiveness, and understanding are always the answers. All too often we blame the past for our present, and in so doing find that our present is full of regret and "what ifs." We sometimes misunderstand the intentions and actions of others and all to often we let that dictate our choices, rather than trusting what we already know to be true. –>Kimball

link to Frequency

Young @ Heart

Coldplay, the Clash and Jimi Hendrix will never sound the same once you've heard the Young@Heart chorus, a group of Massachusetts senior citizens who thrill audiences worldwide with their unusual -- and unusually poignant -- covers of rock songs. Stephen Walker's humane and heartwarming documentary, which premiered at Sundance in 2008, follows the elderly ensemble as they prepare their new show.

OK, I admit, this might seem a bit strange. It was fun though, and in a weird way, it was cute, and sometimes it was sad. The performances were fun to watch. I think I might join them when I get to be 80 or so, if I’m not on my 4th or 5th mission or something like that. Yes, I think you’re just as old as you want to be. –>Kimball

link to Young @ Heart

Cool Runnings

A fictionalized account of the unlikely story of Jamaica's first bobsled team, Cool Runnings follows the athletes' journey to the 1988 Winter Olympics. When Derice Bannock's (Leon) chances of qualifying for Jamaica's track team are dashed, he looks for another sport. He persuades U.S. bobsledding gold medallist Irv Blitzer (John Candy), who now lives in Jamaica, to coach Derice and his friends as they attempt to become a world-class bobsled team.

Based on true events, but a completely fabricated story line this film is fun, funny, and inspirational. A feel good film about redemption and equality. It’s good to do things the way that works best for you. Trying to be like everyone else denies us the talents and abilities that we have. –>Kimball

link to Cool Runnings

The Scarlet and the Black

This riveting drama is based on the true-life story of Vatican priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty (Gregory Peck), who helped allied P.O.W.s escape from Nazi-occupied Rome. O'Flaherty challenged Nazi officers and his Vatican superiors to save the lives of Jews during World War II. With German soldiers controlling Rome, O'Flaherty made a determined effort to hide and shuttle to safety as many Jews from the city as possible.

I can’t say enough good about this film. What a masterpiece of film making. This has got to be one of the greatest of all WWII films. The amazing story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty is compelling. How could one man do so much. The events and statistics presented in the film are actually true. I went to Wiki to learn more and was even further amazed by the life of this incredible man. Gregory Peck, who is not one of my favorites, was so convincing in this film. Christopher Plummer as the SS officer Herbert Kappler delivers one of his best performances. The tension between the two is sure to end in someone’s demise, but wait, you must see how this one ends, and don’t miss the on screen information at the end of the film. –>Kimball

link to The Scarlet and theBlack

The Maltese Falcon

This Oscar-nominated noir classic stars Humphrey Bogart as private eye Sam Spade. When sultry Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor) seeks out protection from a man named Thursby, Spade's partner (Jerome Cowan) takes the case -- and winds up dead, along with Thursby. Spade's hunt for the killer leads him into a world of deception and double crossing, as a trio of criminals search for a priceless statue known as the Maltese Falcon.

Here’s a great old murder mystery. Full of suspense, great acting, and great directing. This is a classic "who done it." It’s hard to go wrong with Humphrey Bogart anyway. Add to the mix Peter Lorre as a clever little Chinaman and Mary Astor as the sneaky sympathy seeking fake and it makes for a very colorful list of characters. The question is, just where is the Maltese Falcon. Huh, can you guess? –>Kimball

link to The Maltese Falcon

The Last Sin Eater

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

I must say that this is probably the best of Michael Landon Jr.. The film was a bit strange at first, but the story really developed well. The problems associated with community secrecy and false tradition to cover sin is really portrayed well. Liana Liberato does a convincing job portraying Cadi Forbes, the little girl who leads the whole community on a path to repentance and reconciliation, as she seeks for forgiveness herself. The film has a few scenes of violence and some difficult emotional scenes, perhaps a bit disturbing for the kiddos. –>Kimball

Link to The Last Sin Eater

Facing the Giants

This inspirational drama from award-winning producers Alex and Stephen Kendrick combines faith and football in the tale of high school coach Grant Taylor (Alex Kendrick), who rises above failure to create a winning spirit on the field. Taylor faces a losing team, a failing marriage and the possibility of being fired. At the end of his rope, he puts his life in God's hands and, in doing so, finds a stronger purpose and, ultimately, salvation.

This is the second of Alex Kendricks films. The first is "Fly Wheel", also worthy of seeing although the acting and production are lacking some. The message of his films thus far have been the same; Give your life to God and things will work better. I happen to agree with him. For us LDS people, we need to look beyond the obvious protestantism and get the message. I think he has done a great job. His next film is Fireproof. It’s on my queue and I’ll be seeing it soon. This film, Facing the Giants, is a good watch. Enjoy.–>Kimball


Link to Facing the Giants

The Apostles of Comedy

What would Jesus do for a laugh? Well, one thing's for sure: He'd probably get a kick out of these four Christian funnymen who call themselves the Apostles of Comedy and craft their stand-up around clean, wholesome jokes. Featuring live sets from comedians Jeff Allen, Brad Stine, Ron Pearson and Anthony Griffith delivered in front of a Nashville crowd, this release also includes behind-the-scenes footage capturing the guys at home and at church.

This is one of those films that you have to watch several times before you start to get all of the humor. These guys are really funny, and really clean. We find ourselves quoting them all of the time. Move over "Galaxy Quest" we have new movie lines. -->Kimball

Link to Apostles of Comedy

Follow the Stars Home

Produced for television's "Hallmark Hall of Fame" series, this story follows Dianne (Kimberly Williams) in her new marriage to young, successful Mark (Eric Close). A pregnancy follows, but the baby has severe genetic abnormalities, and Mark, unable to cope, walks out. Determined to create a family, Dianne keeps baby Julia and receives love, guidance and assistance from some unexpected sources. Co-stars Campbell Scott and Blair Brown.

This is a pro-life film with a great love story intertwined. I thought the acting was good, and the story well written. People are saved in this film. Good prevails, and goodness is GOOD. The bad guy loses and the good guy wins. What more can you ask for? -->Kimball

Link to Follow the Stars Home

Arranged

When Rochel (Zoe Lister Jones) and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) -- an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim, respectively -- meet as new teachers at a Brooklyn school, co-workers and students expect friction. But the women discover they have a shared expectation of entering into arranged marriages. As they experience tension between their traditional cultures and life in contemporary America, Rochel and Nasira form a special bond.

I was very please with this film. It has a tolerance message and it is done very tastefully. I appreciated the respect for tradition, and portrayal of close families. With our church leaders encouraging us to be more tolerant, I felt this was a good example of just what that means. This is a good Sunday afternoon viewing.-->Kimball

Link to Arranged