Galaxy Quest

Decades after the success of the sci-fi series "Galaxy Quest," the show's washed-up stars -- Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver) and Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman) -- are recruited by actual aliens to pull off an intergalactic rescue mission. At first, the actors assume the so-called Thermians are just another group of die-hard fans. But as the plot thickens, they realize they're working with real-life extraterrestrials.

Ok, so what, I like this movie. I don't care what you guys say I think this is a classic that deserves to be on this prestigious blog page. This is a great "change of heart" movie complete with acts of faith, hope and sacrifice. No, really. Who couldn't watch this film and feel committed to live a more worthy life? Who wouldn't fall in love with our hero, Jason Taggert? I think this show should be manditory material. -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Galaxy Quest

Support Your Local Sheriff

James Garner stars in this Wild West parody as a sharpshooting drifter who stumbles upon the lawless gold rush town of Calendar and winds up appointed as the new sheriff. With memorable performances from Bruce Dern as the villainous Joe Danby and Joan Hackett as Prudy Perkins, the requisite damsel in distress, this hilarious spoof is directed by Burt Kennedy.

This is an all time classic film. James Garner, one of my personal favorites, plays a roll suited to him in this comedy set in the old West. Basically on his way to Australia, he doesn't have time to get settled in, but before you know it, he's the town hero, or is he? Bruce Dern is about as funny as you've ever seen him, as Joe Danby. Then there's Harry Morgan. He's everything that you would expect Harry Morgan to be; funnier than snot, but dry as dirt. Walter Brennan as Pa Danby is just great, frustrated at his less than intelligent sons. Then there's Jack Elam. Who could not fall in love with his character, Jake. Elam is funny no matter what his roll is, but set him with James Garner and this all star cast and you have a great show. This one will keep you laughing, and wishing it wouldn't end. -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Support Your Local Sheriff

Night Crossing

Night Crossing tells the incredible true-life story of two intrepid East German families who hatch a plan (during the Cold War, of course) to escape and head west by using hot-air balloons. Starring John Hurt, Jane Alexander, Beau Bridges and Glynnis O'Connor, this family drama is an inspiring tale of the extraordinary lengths oppressed people will go to find freedom.

This is one of my all-time favorite films. If you haven't seen it, or haven't seen it for a long time, you need to get this one. It's full of suspense, mystery and family. It's a great main feature. Every American should have to watch this film before a presidential election. These families live in the prototype country that our ellustrious progressive leaders would like us to live in where the fairness doctrine is "all for them, none for you." The story is about two families escaping what we are becoming, East "Obamany". -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Night Crossing

Joshua

In this gentle fable about the Second Coming, a carpenter named Joshua (Tony Goldwyn) brings joy and light to every person he meets when he arrives in a small town. From troubled teens to a smitten TV anchorwoman to a frustrated wife in a stale marriage, Joshua helps them all. F. Murray Abraham, Colleen Camp and Giancarlo Giannini (as the Pope) co-star in this life-affirming movie.

A nice film. I enjoyed the story, and don't want to say too much about it so as not to take the mystery out of it. It is obviously a pro-Catholic film. I did appreciate the message of community, and service. Not a fast moving film, a good Sunday afternoon film. -->Kimball ***

Netflix link to Joshua

Luther

This epic movie follows the life of Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes), author of the then-controversial 95 Theses and founding father of the Protestant church who, with the courage of his convictions, faced the wrath of the church in the 16th century, all in the name of religious freedom. Co-stars Alfred Molina as John Tetzel, Jonathan Firth as Girolamo Aleander, Claire Cox as Katharina von Bora and Sir Peter Ustinov as Fredrick the Wise.

This film was spectacularly made. Great sets and impressing filming. Excellent story, and compelling drama. I feel like I need to see it again, there was so much to take in. Luther was a great man and this film does him justice. I have read some about this great reformer and I found the film to be mostly consistent with what I have read. The "Church in Rome" is portrayed as the oppressive political power that it actually was at that time. The PG-13 rating comes from a single scene lasting about 60 sec. in which corpses are strewn all over after the peasents revolt and are squashed by the King. Little kids don't need to see this. But the rest of the film has no offensive material. -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Luther

Saving Sarah Cain

When Sarah (Lisa Pepper) becomes legal guardian of her sister's Amish-raised children, she takes them back to the big city and uses their story to advance her waning writing career. But when her new brood learns of the exploitation, they demand to return home. Will Sarah turn from her selfish ways and ultimately do what's best for the children? Directed by Michael Landon Jr., this inspiring story also stars Elliott Gould and Tess Harper.

I don't remember who recommended this film to us, but it was great! It was refreshing to watch a clean, inspirational film with a happy ending. Five orphan Amish children are taken in by their Aunt who seems to care about nothing but herself, and her career. The kids did well in showing what it is like to live in a world that challenges their beliefs. This is a "change of heart" movie that I know family would enjoy without squirming in their seats. -Sarah * * * *

Netflix link to Saving Sarah Cain

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a privileged Chihuahua from Beverly Hills who rides in style in her owner's purse -- until she gets lost on a Mexican vacation, and must find her way home with the help of her newfound Latin canine friends. Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin and Andy Garcia also lend their voices to the cast of this comedic live-action adventure.

This was, in my opinion, incredibly dumb! However, Andrew has watched it at least three times and thinks it's hilarious. It's clean, somewhat entertaining, and creative, but there are plenty of "innuendos". It might be fun to watch with the kids/family. If you like dogs, this is the movie for you! As a side note, the thing that gets me is...this is reality these days. -Sarah * * *

Netflix link to Beverly Hills Chihuahua

I Spy

There's no love lost between undefeated middleweight fighter Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy) and CIA superstar Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) -- a mismatched pair who are teamed up by the government to track down a missing stealth bomber in this action-comedy. If they're to accomplish their dangerous mission, they'd better find a way to get along, first!

Ok, I watched this one....again, because my boys wanted it. I had forgotten how bad the language and the sexual in-your-endos were. I had my innocent daughter asking questions I didn't want to answer. It is very funny. Alex (Owen Wilson) is constantly self conscious about his rivals tools and gadgets and time with the beautiful fell'a agent, Rachel who fittingly turns out to be the bad gal. I love the scene where the two of them are in the sewer spilling their hearts out to each other. Alex (Owen Wilson) says basically, even though we are completely different in every way, "You're really just like me, and I'm you." I only give it three stars because of the language and....the other stuff. -->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to I Spy

The Patriot

Widower Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) wants nothing more than to live in peace and farm his land. But when a cruel British officer (Jason Isaacs) brings the American Revolution to Benjamin's door and threatens what he cherishes most, the former war hero is forced to take action. With the help of his son (Heath Ledger), Benjamin becomes a feared militia leader. But before he can defeat the British, he must win a battle within himself.

I think I've seen this one four times. I enjoyed it just as much this time. The boys wanted to watch it again, and grandma wanted to see it. I think she's just in love with Mel Gibson. Anyway, I think this is an inspiring film filled with great patriotic lines. The classic struggle between caring for his family by staying at home, and saving his family by going to war is very convincingly portrayed. Freedom comes at a cost, and least we forget it, directer Rolland Emmerich and actor Mel Gibson remind us of the sacrifice made, not so many years ago. -->Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to The Patriot

Dreamer

Down-and-out horse trainer Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) is given an equally broken-down (but once great) racehorse, Sonya, as severance pay. It will take the unwavering faith and determination of Ben's daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning), to bring these two damaged souls together in a quest to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. Elisabeth Shue, Oded Fehr and Kris Kristofferson co-star in this heartwarming tale directed by John Gatins.

I really enjoyed this film, though I've seen it before. I've always liked Kurt Russell, and Dakota Fanning has become a favorite also. But this is just a feel good film. Besides, I love horses, so it hit a soft spot for me. The lessons taught, and just plain "feel good" nature of this film makes it a winner for me. Hardship and trial just make us better when we buckle under to correct principles, and don't give up no matter how impossible it looks, there is always a way. --> Kimball * * * *

Netflix link to Dreamer

No Reservations

In this remake of the award-winning European romantic comedy Mostly Martha, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Kate, an emotionally fragile chef whose life is turned upside down when she becomes guardian of her niece (Abigail Breslin). Used to absolute control -- both in her kitchen (which she rules with an iron hand) and at home -- Kate now faces chaos on all fronts, as both the child and her new sous chef (Aaron Eckhart) work their way into her heart.

A very nice film. Well developed story and decent acting. Love and apreciation can penetrate even the coldest of hearts. Sometimes it takes tragedy to help us see that there are more important things in life than personal ambition and recognition. Kate is all work and no play and takes herself so seriously that she has no room for anyone else, and no room for criticism. With the happy-go-lucky sous chef that enters her life she is faced with hating a guy that you can't help but love, and a niece left to her care who needs more attention than Kate wants to give, all of a sudden she finds herself forced into change. But the change is just what the doctor ordered. -->Kimball ****

Netflix link to No Reservations

Gettysburg

The fiercest battle fought on American soil comes to the screen in a stunning production that painstakingly re-creates the events of three fateful days in July 1863. Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen and Richard Jordan play key roles in this magnificent epic (based on Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Killer Angels), which was filmed at actual battle locations and rigorously authenticated -- right down to the boots.

I really enjoyed this film. This is the second time I have seen it and I could watch it again. Mostly because I really enjoy history. But add to my love of history a very well acted and directed film and wa-la there you have it. The stories within the story are incredible. The battle scenes are well acted. The irony of this war is the fact than there really weren’t good guys and bad guys, just a difference of opinion. It’s long. It takes two nights to watch it, but it’s worth it. —>Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to Gettysburg

The Last Flight Out

Medical missionary Ann Williams (Bobbie Phillips) doesn't have much time; a gang of drug runners is closing in on the remote Colombian village of Alto Risco and threatening to take over. After seeing terrifying news reports, Ann's father enlists washed-up pilot Dan Hogan (Richard Tyson), who happens to be Ann's ex-boyfriend, to fly in and get her out. Dan picks up a fast-talking guide along the way and ventures deep into the jungle.

This could have been a good flick. It's a change of heart film that moves much to quickly from a worldly pilot with an all for me attitude to an instant unsuported conversion. However, the acting was not good. The story was worthy of better directing, and better drama. I would not recomend this one just because of the poor quality. The only thing done well in this film was the photography. It had great arial shots of the jungles and mountains because the lead character is a pilot. --->Kimball * *

Netflix link to The Last Flight Out

The Importance of Being Ernest

In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's witty play about mistaken identities, Algernon Moncrieff (Rupert Everett) and Jack Worthing (Colin Firth) cause trouble as two proper gentlemen in 1890s London who use the same pseudonym. At a country estate, they fall in love with two ladies -- Cecily (Reese Witherspoon) and Gwendolyn (Frances O'Conner) -- but the hilarious confusion that ensues from their deceptions may just sink their chance at romance.

This was OK. It had it's funny moments and at times it was entertaining. The last 15min. made the whole show worth watching. I rented it because of Reese Witherspoon, and was not dissapointed in her performance. It's worth a watch, but not as a main feature. --->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to The Importance of Being Ernest

The Secret Life of Bees

Haunted by the death of her mother, 14-year-old Lily (Dakota Fanning) escapes the dreary life she lives on her father's farm and heads to Tiburon, S.C., with her friend and caregiver, Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), setting off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. Set amidst the hotbed of racial tensions in the South in the 1960s, Gina Prince-Bythewood's dramatic tale is based on the bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

This is a movie that deals with racism during the Civil Rites Act, and the emotions that were felt at that time. Lily seeks to find answers to her past and some love in her life. She finds it in the most unexpected way! Three sisters take her in, teach valuable lessons on life, and prove that unconditional love and forgiveness is what gets you through it all. This is a great cast! Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Hudson are fantastic, as usual. I enjoyed the novel and feel that Gina Prince-Bythewood did well making this film.--->Sarah

Netflix link to The Secret Life of Bees

Fireproof

Kirk Cameron plays Capt. Caleb Holt, a dedicated firefighter whose marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), has taken a severe turn for the worse and is about to end in divorce. But just when hope seems to be running out for them, Holt's Christian father intervenes, challenging the couple to a 40-day experiment that he hopes will give them a renewed love not only for each other, but also for God.

This is the third of Alex Kendricks films, and the message of his films continue to be the same, "Give your life to God and things will work better." The acting in this movie is much improved compared to his others. We thought it was uplifting and motivating. A great "reminder" film. I appreciate how he puts God in the center of everything, including the most important area, our marriage. --->Sarah

Netflix link to Fireproof