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Reviews
The Reluctant Heroes (1971)
Great made for tv movie in the early 70's
I saw this movie once, in 1971. I was 9 years old. I have tried to find this movie, unsuccessfully, to watch again. Now, at age 61, I can still quote a few lines and remember the movie fondly. I would love to find it again.
It has a great cast, engaging story of unlikely heroes. Yes, it's a movie about the Korean Conflict, which was filled with the horrors of war, but the movie manages to be familiar friendly and is punctuated with light humor. It has sadness with being depressing, and humor without being frivolous.
Please, whoever has the rights to this, release it some platforms to watch, rent, or buy.
The Shift (2023)
A movie about Job in the style of Dr Who
Kristoffer Polaha and Neal McDonough are terrific. The movie really focuses on hope and endurance through faith in God. It moves fast and has lots of action and drama, yet a strong thread of fidelity and love.
I have a few criticisms in the vein of "I would have done it this way". Clearly, these did not diminish the rating I gave.
First, I would have Kevin as being more righteous (Job was righteous in his generation). Second, I would tone down the multiverse stuff (but I'm 61, so what do I know). Finally, (big spoiler alert) I would not have erased Kevin and Molly's son.
I highly recommend this movie. It felt as good as anything from the major studios. It had very good effects, lots of twists, and a racially diverse cast (which, when appropriate, I am a fan off).
Go see it, and take a friend.
Jesus Revolution (2023)
Great story
The movie demonstrates what made the Jesus Movement great: love. I was a child, but a part of it. My father was a pastor in Hawaii and, although not connected to that Calvary church, he was a traditional pastor who encountered "hippies" and drew them in with love.
It is a little thin on the Gospel beyond that. Hopefully, it will start a conversation between viewers and their Creator.
I was genuinely moved, as was most of the theater. Interestingly, our theater tracks ticket sales for the day, this was number two. We saw it a full week after its release. I'm thrilled with the quality and finish.
My only criticism is a bit of a touchy subject. There seemed to be some of the players who were mere actors and others who really felt genuine. Kelsey Grammer was great. Should a Christian movie only have Christian actors? I don't think so. But on the other hand, it can't really be faked for a lot of actors. This movie seems to have had both kinds of actors, Christian or not.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Most tickets sold of all time
In 1939, when the US had 210 million fewer people, and they were still reeling from the Great Depression, more people bought a movie ticket to see Gone With The Wind than ANY movie since. The next closest movie sold about 30 million fewer tickets!
Despite the changing moral values of the today, it is still a great movie. It produced the first Oscar for an African American, has endured for nearly 90 years, and has a great, complex woman as it's central character.
The set, actors, and spectacle, use of three different directors, and telling a story had many survivors that were still alive, at the time (including many former slaves). It was also the first, major motion picture to have African Americans in prominent and important roles.
Yes, it has many flaws in its perceived glorification of slavery, but for the time it was made it did a pretty good job.
A Week Away (2021)
Absolutely delightful
This isn't an attempt at an Oscar. It isn't pretentious or condescending. It isn't raunchy or looking to sexualize minors (or anyone else, for that matter).
What is it? It is charming and filled with joyful music, wholesome dancing, and a great message. The cameos are fun. The Christian music is a nostalgic celebration that fits the story.
Bailey Madison's performance is gentle and natural. The cast's chemistry added to the movie's enjoyment.
Lost in Space (2018)
It's a remake of a campy sci-fi
It's supposed to be a little cheesy. It's supposed to be filled with a constant stream of crisis. The series is about the bonds of family and friendship.
Of course, a spaceship doing what it wasn't designed to do with a crew not designed to do it, but are flying (or crashing) by the seat of their pants, would likely result in a lot of crises (Apollo 13, anyone?). If you're looking for accuracy and non-fiction, read the Wall Street Journal.
If you pick it a part for not being more technologically savvy or even hyper logical, then you have completely missed the point. Pull the object out of your rear, sit back, and enjoy.
Or, go watch another sci-fi show that you believe is more accurate (a silly concept).
Angel in My Pocket (1969)
Witty comedy for everyone.
Sweet look at the life of a young minister and his family.
Growing up in a pastor's home (and becoming one, too), I can say that this is actually some great insight into the work.
The townsfolk are spot on.