This bring us to the last Christian film in this series and a lead in to our next topic - marriage.
Yep, that's right, the movie is 'Fireproof'.
Now, when this came out, the secular world screamed 'why did they need a movie to teach us how to be married?' Answer, put so beautifully by one of the secondary characters, 'You have to lead your heart.', something the secular world does not seem to understand.
Staying in love is a conscious choice. Everyday you have to remind yourself why you love the other person and not just look at their shortcomings and think, 'there has to be someone better out there.'
God made marriage for life.
You never leave your partner behind.
Take the love dare.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Why Not Question : 'The Passion of the Christ'
'The Passion of the Christ' was a controversial film when it was released. The common complaint was that it was violent and bloody. The real problem is that the Western World had sanitized Jesus' death on the cross and events leading up to it. The honest truth is that Mel Gibson, the director, didn't push it as far as the actual reality.
If he had, it would have been completely unwatchable.
It is a powerful film recommended for everyone. It shows the price paid for salvation and how grateful everyone should be because of Jesus' sacrifice. Definitely the perfect movie to watch just before Easter.
If he had, it would have been completely unwatchable.
It is a powerful film recommended for everyone. It shows the price paid for salvation and how grateful everyone should be because of Jesus' sacrifice. Definitely the perfect movie to watch just before Easter.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Why Not Question : More recommended Christian films
For a number of reasons the series on Christian films will be carried through out April and the new series on Marriage will begin in May.
So, this week, is a mixture of recommended films.
'Deceived.'Cloud Ten Pictures. Sort of Science Fiction combined with the seven deadly sins. A signal from outer space, the military trying to keep it quiet, and the scientists wanting to share it. Yet, what is the real truth?
'The Gospel'. Sony Pictures. A wonderful musical and heart warming plot line with the prodigal son returning home. Lots of worship dance, singing, and an excellent cast.
'Joshua'. Epiphany Films. How would you react if you saw a man walking down the street easily carrying a log? Who is he and where did he come from? Would you believe the answer when he told you?
'The Miracle of the Cards'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Based on a true story. 1.3 Million get well cards - a Guinness World Record. A young boy with brain cancer experiences several miraculous events because of his mother's faith and drive to save his life.
'Man of Miracles'. Synchronicity Productions. Was it an angel who saved a preacher's life? And why?
'The Second Chance'. Triumph Films. Starring Michael W. Smith. Ethan Jenkins (Smith) is sent by the Elders of his church to work in their sister branch. He learns about hope and how to restore it in a desperate area of town. The final scene alone is worth watching this film.
'The Wager'. Pure Flix Entertainment. Loosely based on the book of Job a singer finds his life suddenly upset by a series of strange circumstances almost as if there was a wager on what how he'd react and whether or not his faith would remain strong.
'Waterproof'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Starring Burt Reynolds. A shopkeeper is shot and then abducted by the shooter's mother. She takes him home to her family in a small southern town with their own secrets to resolve.
So, this week, is a mixture of recommended films.
'Deceived.'Cloud Ten Pictures. Sort of Science Fiction combined with the seven deadly sins. A signal from outer space, the military trying to keep it quiet, and the scientists wanting to share it. Yet, what is the real truth?
'The Gospel'. Sony Pictures. A wonderful musical and heart warming plot line with the prodigal son returning home. Lots of worship dance, singing, and an excellent cast.
'Joshua'. Epiphany Films. How would you react if you saw a man walking down the street easily carrying a log? Who is he and where did he come from? Would you believe the answer when he told you?
'The Miracle of the Cards'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Based on a true story. 1.3 Million get well cards - a Guinness World Record. A young boy with brain cancer experiences several miraculous events because of his mother's faith and drive to save his life.
'Man of Miracles'. Synchronicity Productions. Was it an angel who saved a preacher's life? And why?
'The Second Chance'. Triumph Films. Starring Michael W. Smith. Ethan Jenkins (Smith) is sent by the Elders of his church to work in their sister branch. He learns about hope and how to restore it in a desperate area of town. The final scene alone is worth watching this film.
'The Wager'. Pure Flix Entertainment. Loosely based on the book of Job a singer finds his life suddenly upset by a series of strange circumstances almost as if there was a wager on what how he'd react and whether or not his faith would remain strong.
'Waterproof'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Starring Burt Reynolds. A shopkeeper is shot and then abducted by the shooter's mother. She takes him home to her family in a small southern town with their own secrets to resolve.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why Not Question - Disaster films
Oddly enough, one of the Christian stores I frequented carried disaster films. I wondered why until I viewed them. They had no cuss words. They were centered on family triumphing over circumstances. And they made by Porchlight Entertainment.
Yes, I'm one of those who watches credits to find out who the background people are. It's the best way to discover who makes good films and who doesn't.
Besides, it's fun to see how many ways the world can be destroyed.
I only have short list for Porchlight, but I highly recommend their films.
Combustion - gas is igniting under the city. Stars Joe Lando.
Killer Flood: The Day the Dam Broke. Joe Lando, Michele Greene, Bruce Boxleitner. Nice reconciliation with a divorced couple and their child.
Trapped Buried Alive. Avalanche traps a mother with her step daughter in an ski inn while the father safe outside works at saving them.
Megafault. This aired on Syfy. It is wonderful because the scientist is a woman instead of a man and she's trying to get home to her family in Denver. Great sidekick who really makes this a 'must see' film.
Two others I discovered made my Faith Films and distributed by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment - the latter one of my favorites for odd and fun movies:
The Apocalyspe - An asteroid is about to destroy the Earth and a couple desperately tries to reach their daughter. The only not so good thing about this film is that the rapture also happens, but not for everyone at once and seems to be based more on their faith than salavation.
2012: Doomsday - Stars Dale Midkiff. Several strangers end up going to an ancient temple in Mexico on December 21st, 2012. Premise is weak but lots of nice scenery. Also, the rapture happens, but there are some loop holes that don't fit. Ending is unfulfilling.
Others I recommend but are not by this studio. Some have strong language:
Nature Unleashed: Earthquake. Set in Russia with a family caught in a subway about to be flooded. Fairly decent.
The Day After Tomorrow : Great example of sacrifice and family values despite the main couple being divorced. Not to mention the unrealistic wolf scenes.
Independence Day - Technically also Science Fiction. Aliens destroy the planet. Great family scenes and reconciliation for one couple.
Absolute Zero - Another take on the planet plunging into an ice age. Some silly scenes but the main character saves his family.
Volcano - Not really believable but Tommy Lee Jones is wonderful and there's great interplay with his character's daughter.
When Worlds Collide - this is an older film based on a book. They build an arc to escape to a planet about to destroy the Earth. Well done adaption. One of the classics. Science Fiction.
Deep Impact - Asteroid impacts the Earth. Good family scenes but there are a number of suicides.
Category 6: Day of Destruction & Catatore 7: The end of the World.
All star casts and interesting character interplay. Both are four hours each.
10.5 and 10.5 Apocalypse - these films are good because no matter how they tried to stop the earthquake, the planet won out in the end and people had to deal with the aftermath. The only films that show mankind can't stop everything.
2012 - Very good family stuff in this one despite a lousy script and silly premise.
Supernova - shown on Hallmark. Kind of lacking in many areas and the whole convict out to get the family was a bit much.
2012 Supernova - I like Brain Krause, but this film had such an unbelievable ending I wouldn't watch it again.
Ice Twisters - SyFy film. Okay. I have to say I like this one and I'm really sure why. It has a silly premise, but the male lead, a writer, keeps it interesting.
Nature Unleashed: Avalanche - A so - so film. Filmed in Russia with a very interesting idea on how the village survives.
Nature Unleashed: Fire - Silly premise with the way they solve the problem. Just fun to watch because it's so unbelievable.
There are many more movies if you enjoy these type of films.
Yes, I'm one of those who watches credits to find out who the background people are. It's the best way to discover who makes good films and who doesn't.
Besides, it's fun to see how many ways the world can be destroyed.
I only have short list for Porchlight, but I highly recommend their films.
Combustion - gas is igniting under the city. Stars Joe Lando.
Killer Flood: The Day the Dam Broke. Joe Lando, Michele Greene, Bruce Boxleitner. Nice reconciliation with a divorced couple and their child.
Trapped Buried Alive. Avalanche traps a mother with her step daughter in an ski inn while the father safe outside works at saving them.
Megafault. This aired on Syfy. It is wonderful because the scientist is a woman instead of a man and she's trying to get home to her family in Denver. Great sidekick who really makes this a 'must see' film.
Two others I discovered made my Faith Films and distributed by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment - the latter one of my favorites for odd and fun movies:
The Apocalyspe - An asteroid is about to destroy the Earth and a couple desperately tries to reach their daughter. The only not so good thing about this film is that the rapture also happens, but not for everyone at once and seems to be based more on their faith than salavation.
2012: Doomsday - Stars Dale Midkiff. Several strangers end up going to an ancient temple in Mexico on December 21st, 2012. Premise is weak but lots of nice scenery. Also, the rapture happens, but there are some loop holes that don't fit. Ending is unfulfilling.
Others I recommend but are not by this studio. Some have strong language:
Nature Unleashed: Earthquake. Set in Russia with a family caught in a subway about to be flooded. Fairly decent.
The Day After Tomorrow : Great example of sacrifice and family values despite the main couple being divorced. Not to mention the unrealistic wolf scenes.
Independence Day - Technically also Science Fiction. Aliens destroy the planet. Great family scenes and reconciliation for one couple.
Absolute Zero - Another take on the planet plunging into an ice age. Some silly scenes but the main character saves his family.
Volcano - Not really believable but Tommy Lee Jones is wonderful and there's great interplay with his character's daughter.
When Worlds Collide - this is an older film based on a book. They build an arc to escape to a planet about to destroy the Earth. Well done adaption. One of the classics. Science Fiction.
Deep Impact - Asteroid impacts the Earth. Good family scenes but there are a number of suicides.
Category 6: Day of Destruction & Catatore 7: The end of the World.
All star casts and interesting character interplay. Both are four hours each.
10.5 and 10.5 Apocalypse - these films are good because no matter how they tried to stop the earthquake, the planet won out in the end and people had to deal with the aftermath. The only films that show mankind can't stop everything.
2012 - Very good family stuff in this one despite a lousy script and silly premise.
Supernova - shown on Hallmark. Kind of lacking in many areas and the whole convict out to get the family was a bit much.
2012 Supernova - I like Brain Krause, but this film had such an unbelievable ending I wouldn't watch it again.
Ice Twisters - SyFy film. Okay. I have to say I like this one and I'm really sure why. It has a silly premise, but the male lead, a writer, keeps it interesting.
Nature Unleashed: Avalanche - A so - so film. Filmed in Russia with a very interesting idea on how the village survives.
Nature Unleashed: Fire - Silly premise with the way they solve the problem. Just fun to watch because it's so unbelievable.
There are many more movies if you enjoy these type of films.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Why Not Question - Rapture Speculation Films
Ah, the rapture and those left behind. A popular theme with many writers through the years. There is much speculation on how, when, and what the results will be, not only in Christian written fiction but also in films. The most recent popular version was the Left Behind series. There are many others, but to quote Kirk Cameron when he was filming the first film - 'This could happen now.'
And it could. Are you ready?
Below is a list of some, but not all the films made on this theme.
Left Behind
Left Behind II : Tribulation Force
Left Behind : World at War
The three films don't go beyond the second book. The written series, which I've read all of, was interesting, sometimes preachy and there are a number of 'oops'. There are also a few spin off series by other writers.
There is fanfiction written of this series on www.fanfiction.net. Check out the concurrent series crossed with Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis by writers dragonlots and ChristianGateFan plus many others.
Apocalypse
Revelation
Tribulation
Judgement
The first and fourth films are the best. The other two are okay despite some of the well known actors and actresses in them.
In the Blink of an Eye - Interesting twist using a man caught in a time loop.
The Omega Code
Megiddo : The Omega Code 2
These two films were made for a secular audience. However, the special affects near the end of the second make this pair a 'must see'.
And it could. Are you ready?
Below is a list of some, but not all the films made on this theme.
Left Behind
Left Behind II : Tribulation Force
Left Behind : World at War
The three films don't go beyond the second book. The written series, which I've read all of, was interesting, sometimes preachy and there are a number of 'oops'. There are also a few spin off series by other writers.
There is fanfiction written of this series on www.fanfiction.net. Check out the concurrent series crossed with Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis by writers dragonlots and ChristianGateFan plus many others.
Apocalypse
Revelation
Tribulation
Judgement
The first and fourth films are the best. The other two are okay despite some of the well known actors and actresses in them.
In the Blink of an Eye - Interesting twist using a man caught in a time loop.
The Omega Code
Megiddo : The Omega Code 2
These two films were made for a secular audience. However, the special affects near the end of the second make this pair a 'must see'.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why Not Question - Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films?
Science Fiction is very frightening in Christian circles. Oh, they know there's a huge market for it, but most are afraid to touch it either in book or film forms. Yet, both the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, the fathers of Christian Speculative fiction, have been adapted to film.
Let's talk about 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. In the scene where Susan and Lucy watch as the witch torments and then kills Aslan, the viewer gets a hint of what if was like for Christ when he was mocked, beaten, had a thorn crown thrust upon his head, and then was forced to carry his own cross to be crucified on. Aslan is shaved, bound, and made fun of by the creatures who follow the White Witch.
Also, if one really examines the image shown, more deep truths present themselves - Christ's death was one of the biggest devil spirit parties in history. They thought they had won. They defeated God's plan - just like the White Witch thought she had, until Aslan returned restored - just as Christ did.
And, when watching the marriage scene in the extended version of 'Return of the King', the scene drips with symbolism. In it can be seen the wedding ceremony of Christ and his bride, the blooming tree of Life and many more than can be named.
So, is Science Fiction and Fantasy in Christian form really that frightening? Not when you see the path paved by the two who came before. Interesting part, the Lord of Rings trilogy was done by fan who might not even be a Christian, yet the director caught the true intent of the writer.
Recommended Christian Fantasy:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspain
Journey of the Dawn Trader (blogger has not yet seen the film)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - either original theater release or extended versions.
Horror:
Invisible Enemies - a pair of glasses allows a young man to see the demons all around us.
Science Fiction:
Unidentified - Two journalists, one Christian, one not, investigate reports on UFO's.
Time Changer - Time travel adventure. A bit preachy but interesting.
NOTE: Keep an eye on Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror writers. God is opening doors big time for publication, both through Christian and secular houses.
Christian small press publishers : Marcher Lord Press & Splash Down Books plus a few others.
Let's talk about 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. In the scene where Susan and Lucy watch as the witch torments and then kills Aslan, the viewer gets a hint of what if was like for Christ when he was mocked, beaten, had a thorn crown thrust upon his head, and then was forced to carry his own cross to be crucified on. Aslan is shaved, bound, and made fun of by the creatures who follow the White Witch.
Also, if one really examines the image shown, more deep truths present themselves - Christ's death was one of the biggest devil spirit parties in history. They thought they had won. They defeated God's plan - just like the White Witch thought she had, until Aslan returned restored - just as Christ did.
And, when watching the marriage scene in the extended version of 'Return of the King', the scene drips with symbolism. In it can be seen the wedding ceremony of Christ and his bride, the blooming tree of Life and many more than can be named.
So, is Science Fiction and Fantasy in Christian form really that frightening? Not when you see the path paved by the two who came before. Interesting part, the Lord of Rings trilogy was done by fan who might not even be a Christian, yet the director caught the true intent of the writer.
Recommended Christian Fantasy:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspain
Journey of the Dawn Trader (blogger has not yet seen the film)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - either original theater release or extended versions.
Horror:
Invisible Enemies - a pair of glasses allows a young man to see the demons all around us.
Science Fiction:
Unidentified - Two journalists, one Christian, one not, investigate reports on UFO's.
Time Changer - Time travel adventure. A bit preachy but interesting.
NOTE: Keep an eye on Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror writers. God is opening doors big time for publication, both through Christian and secular houses.
Christian small press publishers : Marcher Lord Press & Splash Down Books plus a few others.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Why Not Question - Christian Romance Films
I discovered the Love Comes Softly series on Hallmark with the fifth film. It remains my favorite out of the seven. Why? Because it has everything. A lonely widow who comes to town to become the teacher after her husband's death. She and her young son move into a not too well cared for house. A young girl is taken in by our widow from the orphan trains they used to run from the big cities in an attempt to find homes for the children living on the streets. A sheriff who fell in love with the widow and who searches for the girl and her brother, placed in a abusive situation, when they run away. They're found through a simple act of faith - prayer - during a cold, pitch black and stormy night.
From there I went on to discover the rest of the series and purchase them as they come out. Why you ask? Because, unlike many woman who read or watch romances, I prefer nice, wholesome stories with no smut. Oh, I've read the sexy, steamy books. Don't think I haven't. But when it becomes the focus of the story instead of the relationship between the characters, I got tired of them. I much prefer a couple getting together with a common faith in God.
So, I moved on to Christian romances. The stories are interesting. I care about the characters. And often, they're well written or acted with the most physical intimacy being a kiss or holding hands. Sex is for after marriage - as it should be.
Quick update - Hallmark via FB has announced they are running two prequel movies on their channel to the Love Comes Softly series.
My list of Christian 'must see' romantic movies:
Love Comes Softly
Love's Enduring Promise
Love's Long Journey
Love's Abiding Joy
Love's Unending Legacy
Love's Unfolding Dream
Love Takes Wing
Love Finds a Home
Saving Sarah Cain
For those who enjoy Amish Stories.
Based on the book by Beverly Lewis.
Hidden Places
Set during the Great Depression.
From the book by Lynn Austin.
For those who like Biblical stories:
One Night with the King
The Bible Stories : Esther
Esther and the King - 1960
The Story of Ruth - an older film
There is a newer one but it is not as well done.
From there I went on to discover the rest of the series and purchase them as they come out. Why you ask? Because, unlike many woman who read or watch romances, I prefer nice, wholesome stories with no smut. Oh, I've read the sexy, steamy books. Don't think I haven't. But when it becomes the focus of the story instead of the relationship between the characters, I got tired of them. I much prefer a couple getting together with a common faith in God.
So, I moved on to Christian romances. The stories are interesting. I care about the characters. And often, they're well written or acted with the most physical intimacy being a kiss or holding hands. Sex is for after marriage - as it should be.
Quick update - Hallmark via FB has announced they are running two prequel movies on their channel to the Love Comes Softly series.
My list of Christian 'must see' romantic movies:
Love Comes Softly
Love's Enduring Promise
Love's Long Journey
Love's Abiding Joy
Love's Unending Legacy
Love's Unfolding Dream
Love Takes Wing
Love Finds a Home
Saving Sarah Cain
For those who enjoy Amish Stories.
Based on the book by Beverly Lewis.
Hidden Places
Set during the Great Depression.
From the book by Lynn Austin.
For those who like Biblical stories:
One Night with the King
The Bible Stories : Esther
Esther and the King - 1960
The Story of Ruth - an older film
There is a newer one but it is not as well done.
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