Evan Almighty

In director Tom Shadyac's raucous follow-up to the 2003 comedy Bruce Almighty (also helmed by Shadyac), God (Morgan Freeman) summons narcissistic newscaster turned congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) to build an enormous ark in preparation for a devastating flood. Unfortunately, Evan's perplexed family interprets his latest hobby as a midlife crisis gone wrong rather than as a divine assignment from the man upstairs.

What can I say. Steve Carell is funny. Add to the mix Morgan Freeman and it just has to be good. This is a funny film with a great message. You might as well give in to God and do what you're told. Funny thing is, you end up doing good for others and yourself. Evan just wanted to be a good guy and change the world. His honest yet naive desire proved to win him the notice of God and the task of saving, and changing the world. A great film for everyone. -->Kimball****

Netflix link to Evan Almighty

The Express

Rob Brown stars in the true story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win football's Heisman Trophy. Dubbed the "Elmira Express" for his relentless drive, Davis also lived up to the nickname off the field as he battled for racial equality. Dennis Quaid co-stars as Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who teaches Davis the game and in return learns much from his running back's bold civil rights achievements.

This is great film because Ernie Davis was really a great guy. Rob Brown is as good as he always is as is Dennis Quaid. I like seeing good people to great things and for the right reasons. This film may have a bit of a racial twist, but the story is fantanstic nonetheless. -->Kimball****

Netflix link to The Express

The Final Inquiry

In 35 A.D., following the crucifixion of Christ, earthquakes tear apart the Roman Empire and the sky turns black midday. Emperor Tiberius (Max von Sydow) calls upon investigator Tauro (Daniele Liotti) to determine the cause of this sudden upheaval. Tauro interviews treacherous governor Pontius Pilate, an insane man named Judas and poor fisherman Simon Peter and soon discovers that the strange phenomena may be linked to Christ's execution

The film quality was poor. The sound was patched over and it was obvious at times. The acting was mediocre. The story was very good. The idea that a Roman Centurion sent to investigate Jesus and His followers and being converted in the process, I thought made for a good story. Plenty of graphic violence is used to add interest to the lack of production. The portrayal of the followers of Jesus was pretty good in my oppinion, and the healings were simple and consistent with our view. -->Kimball **

Netflix link to The Final Inquiry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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