Promotional Summary:

This is the true story of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in The 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The story line is drawn from her journal entries and mother's testimony. Rachel's caring and compassionate faith motivated her to reach out to fellow students--including the killers who made her a target of their murderous plot.

Strengths: This movie documents the Columbine tragedy well.

Weaknesses: None apparent.

Promotional Summary: John and Alexa Taylor appear to have the perfect life – they’re the envy of all the parents in town. Their son Beau is the high school football star and their daughter Ravyn is a straight-A student. But when Beau is caught drinking alcohol, his place on the team and his bright future are on the line. With the football season at stake and the judgmental community turning their backs on them, every member of the Taylor family is at a crossroads. Now, they must find the strength from one another, and the spiritual courage from within, to prove that faith and family is the only score that really matters.

Strengths: Which is move important, what others think of you, or what God thinks of you? This movie addresses those issues in the context of peer, academic, and athletic pressures.

Weaknesses: From a New Testament worldview, it is difficult to determine which characters are genuinely Christian. The Bible study in the middle section is more eisegetical (i.e., it reads more into the text) than exegetical (i.e., reads out of it).

Promotional Summary:

This is the true story of an award-winning investigative journalist--and avowed atheist--who applies his well-honed journalistic and legal skills to disprove the newfound Christian faith of his wife--only with unexpected, life-altering results.

War Room

Promotional Summary:

From the creators of FIREPROOF and COURAGEOUS, comes WAR ROOM, a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart that became the #1 movie in U.S. theaters and received raving reviews from audiences of all ages. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all--great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. but appearances can be deceiving. Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a "war room" and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony's hidden struggles come to light. Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara's wisdom that victories don't come by accident.

Polycarp

Promotional Summary:

A young slave girl, Anna, is rescued and adopted by Christians in 2nd Century Smyrna and befriended by their aged bishop, Polycarp. As Anna is taught by Polycarp and her new family, she struggles to reconcile her beliefs with those of the Christians.

When the Roman proconsul demands that all citizens worship Caesar to show their allegiance to Rome, Polycarp and the Christians must find courage to stand for their faith against the growing threat of persecution. Anna is forced to come to grips with the truth and choose whom she is willing to live and die for.

Strengths:
This is a Christian history drama. The choice of Polycarp and the setting of Smyrna are excellent, as he was a true disciple in the tradition of the apostles, and Smyrna was a true church (as portrayed in the book of Revelation (chapter 2,vv.8-11). The side benefit is that there are no distracting themes or subplots, just simple devotion to Christ.
The superb use of a ficticious character, Anna, draws viewers into the movie in a very personal way.
Weaknesses:

Polycarp was not a bishop in the modern ecclesiastic sense, but akin to that of a head elder.  (The early church mistakenly differentiated between "bishop" and "elder," terms used synonymously by the apostle Paul). The script writers would have done well to bring this out.

Polycarp is a low-budget production. The stage sets are obvious, though adequate in providing the necessary backdrop.

 

Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell

Promotional Summary:

Josh McDowell was born into the harsh realities of a cruel world. His father's violent alcoholism coupled with his own childhood molestation filled McDowell with shame. Over the years, that shame drove him further and further from Christ, until it finally turned to rage. Eager to rail against the existence of a loving God, McDowell sought out conflict with the Christians he encountered in college. He mocked their beliefs and scorned their faith until they issued him a challenge:  prove God doesn't exist. Obsessively, McDowell traveled the world scouring sacred historical texts for evidence contradicting Christianity. What he found instead was truth--and a faith that led to grace and redeemed a broken man.
Undaunted is the true story of how Josh McDowell set out to prove Jesus Christ never existed--but ended up on a journey that brought him face to face with God's love and transforming power. His ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ has allowed him to share the good news of his Savior with millions of people around the world, and he's published over 130 books in the field of Christian apologetics, including More Than a Carpenter and Evidence That Demands a Verdict. He is living proof that a life can be transformed.

Strengths:

This heart-wrenching autobiography about one of America's foremost apologists is a must-see for mature family members. Josh's humble, personable, and transparent character quietly underscore the story line. How a man with such a bright mind and gentle character could have overcome an abusive childhood is a strong testament to the grace of God.

Weaknesses:

Those familiar with Josh's giftedness in defending the faith may wish that he had incorporated a little more of his Evidence That Demands a Verdict into the storyline.

God's Not Dead

Promotional Summary:

When an atheist Philosophy professor (Kevin Sorbo) plans to forego "dusty arguments" in his class, he insists the new students declare that "God is dead." Unable to do this, Josh (Shane Harper) is challenged to defend his faith and prove to the class that God's Not Dead. Against all odds, Josh stands up for his faith and takes on the challenge. LET THE DEBATE BEGIN!

Strengths:

College campuses provide some of the best staging for conflicting world views. God's Not Dead meets atheism head-on, while at the same time ministering to agnostics and Muslims. The movie is also a call for all Christians to "contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3).

Weaknesses
The strategy behind GND is not without controversy. Spotlight On Christian Entertainment, for example, contains some scathing criticism.  Yet, the movie deserves consideration for its attempt to obey Christ's instruction to be "shrewd as serpents" and Paul's example in quoting secular sources to bolster his point (Matt. 10:16; Acts 17:28).
Also open to concern is the commercialization of Christianity through the use of a rock 'n roll band for drawing the actors together in the final scene.

Heaven Is for Real

Promotional Summary:

Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, Heaven Is for Real recounts the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world.  Starring Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear (Best Supporting Actor, As Good As It Gets, 1997) as Todd Burpo, the real-life father whose son Colton claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience.  Colton shares the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth... things he couldn't possible know.

Strengths:

The movie convincingly sets forth the argument that a young Colorado boy experienced visions of heaven both during and following surgery. How does one argue against a child who saw and heard things which he could not possibly know? It will be interesting to see what happens with this lad in the future.

Weaknesses:

When compared with the best-selling book, Heaven Is for Real contains both omissions and contradictions. Corporate Hollywood left out the book's many references to Satan, judgment, hell, and the Gospel. Peter Chattaway of FilmChat does an excellent job of fleshing these out in, "How the movie Heaven is for Real contradicts the book."

In short, Hollywood's version of Heaven Is for Real is a spiritual dud. The viewer is better off reading the book--or better yet, the Bible. While heaven is real, we are not dependent upon on anyone returning from it for us to believe. Jesus Christ came from heaven to reveal all that we need to know (John 6:26-40). If we are not willing to accept to the Biblical account, then we "will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31).

Monumental

Promotional summary:
Monumental is the story of America's beginnings. Presented and produced by Kirk Cameron, the 90 minute true story follows this father father of six across Europe and the U.S. as he meets with historians and experts in an effort to discover America's true "national treasure" --the people, places, and principles that made America the freest, most prosperous and generous nation the world has ever known.

Long regarded as the "land of opportunity," there's no question the tiny band of religious outcasts who founded this country hit upon a formula for success that went way beyond what they could have imagined. How else can you explain the fact that they established a nation that has become the best example of civil, economic and religious liberty the world has ever known?

What formula did they discover? What motivated them to come here in the first place? More importantly, how can we apply these same foundational truths today?

Take your family on a new adventure to discover the true national treasure of America.
Strengths:
The forte of this documentary is in the story itself: who the pilgrims were, why they did what they did, and how we came to where we are today. The results blew Kirk Cameron's mind and will yours, too.
The presentation also brings out the challenge we face today:  Can America continue as the exceptional nation it once was, or will elitist institutions succeed in repainting it as a force of evil?  The U.S. depends largely on US, "We the people..."
Weaknesses:
As producer-narrator, Cameron accompanies you on your journey as a plain-clothes everyday citizen. While this has merit, it can at times be overdone.

The Redemption of Henry Myers

Promotional Summary:

Henry Myers lives a hard life. Getting through life on the frontier however he can... even if it means robbing a bank. After his latest heist goes wrong and his partners betray him and leave him for dead, Henry is surprised to find extraordinary kindness from a widow and her children. With the influence of this family, Henry begins to question the choices he's made in his life. Just when things begin to make sense again, it's all ripped away from him when his old partners show up. Will he seek the revenge he desires or finally find his redemption?

Strengths:

This story goes far beyond proving the gospel can be intertwined with a western.  The casting is excellent, especially with Myers and the family that takes him in. Erin Bethea's (Fireproof) daughter is memorable and heartwarming. Full of irony, contrasting themes and characters, this movie will induce a wide array of emotions as the storyline progresses toward redemption and forgiveness amidst seemingly impossible odds. Two main themes shape the plot: there is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven; and God's greatest gift is the gift of change. This classic is a must-see for anyone who has a hard time forgiving or being forgiven

Weaknesses:

The directing (or perhaps editing) of the movie makes it slightly hard to follow in just a few places.

The Magic of Ordinary Days

Promotional Summary:

Pregnant out of wedlock, an educated young woman is pressured by her father into an arranged marriage with a lonely farmer in this drama set during WWII.

The Magic of Ordinary Days is a Hallmark Hall of Fame production based on a novel of the same name by Ann Howard Creel and adapted as a teleplay by Camille Thomasson.It was directed by Brent Shields, produced by Andrew Gottlieb and stars Keri Russell, Skeet Ulrich, and Mare Winningham.

Strengths:

This is truly a Hallmark classic.  Quietly gripping, this is a must see movie about a young man who lays down his life for one he has never seen, and a young woman who must lose her life to gain a new one.  Excellent casting, directing, etc.

Weaknesses:

A few transition scenes could have been inserted to aid in following the plot. 

 

Promotional Summary:

As the curtain rises, Hannah steps onto the stage... only to collapse moments later.  Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor:  Hannah's difficult birth.  The doctor's diagnosis is nothing compared to her parents' revelation: Hannah was adopted--after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah embarks on an incredible journey with Jason, her oldest friend.  As she searches to discover her hidden past and find hope for her uncertain future, Hannah realizes life can be so much more than you've planned.

Strengths:  This is a good movie for all ages, especially the young and impressionable.  The first half sets the stage for the second, when Hannah encounters the abortion nurse, followed by her birth-mother.  Both scenes are emotional and sobering.  She then has some forgiving to do with her adopted father.
Weaknesses:  Support mechanisms (directing, music, etc.) are all satisfactory.  The throwback from the hippie era provides some mild comic relief.  The main feature is the message itself.

Click on DVD Image for Trailer

Promotional Summary: Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused, standing up to the worst the streets can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge they’re ill-prepared to tackle: fatherhood. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Sherwood Pictures, creators of Fireproof, returns with this heartfelt, action-packed story. Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.

Strengths: Sherwood Picture's fourth installment exceeds the previous three combined--which speaks volumes. Courageous excels in emotional and spiritual impact, with a cache of tear-jerking moments, comic relief, and unforgettable ironies.  Most of all, fathers will be challenged to evaluate their roles for years to come. Be sure to have your seat belt on for the opening scene.

Weaknesses:  Sherwood is overdue for a movie that admonishes other family roles, not just those of husbands and fathers.

What If...

Promotional Summary:

What If... tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancee, and a new Mercedes, he hasn't considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church.
But God has other plans.  While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he's visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling.  Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of a domestic chaos as his "wife" Wendy and daughter (including Disney Channel's Debbie Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.  Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy... and God. In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What If... is a story of finding your true purpose in life.

Strengths:  Though filled with mild-mannered acting, this movie can steadily grow on you with its hometown feel, everyday-people casting. Sudden plot twists are a forte. Debbie Ryan provides both comic relief and heart-warming moments. Filmed in Grand Rapids and Manistee, Michigan.
Weaknesses:  The Bible says the Holy Spirit came to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, and point sinners to Christ. "What If..." presents the gospel in more of a "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life."  While various elements of the gospel are present, changes in emphasis are embraced.

Amish Grace

Promotional Summary:
Kimberly Paisley (wife of Brad Paisley) leads a talented cast in the highest-rated original film ever to appear on the Lifetime Movie Network.  When a tragedy takes the lives of five Amish schoolgirls in Pennsylvania, Ida, the mother of one of the girls, faces a profound test of faith.  As she begins to feel like an outsider within her own community, Ida must decide whether or not to stay with the Amish--and her beloved husband.  Delicately crafted and featuring poignant performances, this film is a moving testament to the power of forgiveness.

Strengths: This is an unforgettable movie, one which wrestles with the paradox of forgiving the unforgivable.  The unbiblical practice of shunning is also addressed, yet without overshadowing the larger event.  Be sure to serve with plenty of tissues.

Weaknesses:  No special effects? No award-winning acting?  No big deal.  This production is in a class all by itself--namely spiritual.  You will be hard pressed to find flaws, and if you do, they will only be forgiven.

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

Promotional Summary:
Justin and his two best buddies are twelve year olds looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five-year-old Jonathan Sperry (Gavin MacLeod), a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops. What happens the rest of this summer is something Dustin and his friends will never forget. An inspiring film for all ages.

Strengths: A cute movie that captures the simplicity of a conservative neighborhood in a time forgotten by modern-day Hollywood. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry reminds us that the gospel is the power of God, and that it's prime dependency rests with the Holy Spirit rather than the style of the messenger.

Weaknesses:  Certainly not one of Rich Christiano's better films, the movie plods along at the expense of holding the viewer's interest. Some will find it a little naive and simplistic, especially in the secular world.

No Greater Love

Promotional Summary:
Jeff and Heather were the "lucky ones." Best friends from childhood, high school sweethearts and married by 22, they were inseparable soul mates. After the birth of their son, Heather fell into a deep depression. Hopelessly lost, she vanished. Ten years after his wife's disappearance, Jeff's world is dramatically rocked when Heather reappears in the most unusual place. With a score composed and performed by award-winning contemporary Christian music artist Michelle Tumes, No Greater Love is a touching story about faith and forgiveness for the family.

Strengths: A true representation of sacrificial love, this movie deals with issues and biblical principles that are often ignored or rationalized away.  Complimented by good acting, directing, musical score, and an ending that will have you applauding, No Greater Love is a must see for every generation!

Weaknesses:  None apparent.

A Greater Yes - The true story of Amy Newhouse

Promotional Summary:

After climbing Pampa High School's popularity chain, taking her volleyball team to the State championship, and founding the school's first drugs, alcohol, and violence-free club, Amy Newhouse must now fight the biggest battle of her life - cancer.

Her open heart to the people of her school now sparks a passionate rally from the community. However, this passion dwindles as her cancer metastasizes. Her cancer seems to miraculously disappear, but just as it seems the community has prevailed and the battle won, Amy discovers that the deadly disease has returned and is incurable.

Amy's prayers for healing continue, but with the seemingly dried-up support of her community, and an apparent "no" from God, she dies from the one battle she cannot win. However, with her death comes life and redemption of Pampa HIgh, as her club grows exponentially, redeeming the school of the once-rampant violence, drugs, and alcohol that she so passionately fought against, and proving to all doubters that God has a "Greater Yes" after all.

Strengths:  This is a very touching account of the life of a girl with a passion for God and people.  The storyline is easy to follow, with just the right compliment of music, lighting, directing, you name it.  Good acting on the part of the main characters.  Amy's life set a good example for all.
Weaknesses:  None apparent.  The fact that most of the actors are amateur only makes the storyline more real.

The Book of Ruth

Promotional Summary:

The Book of Ruth, is a triumphant love story in the face of adversity. This selfless journey of love and devotion is seen through the eyes of a young widow.  Choosing to leave her homeland of Moab, she follows her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel after the death of her husband.  Upon reaching Bethlehem, she meets and marries a man named Boaz, who is of the Royal House of Judah.  This chain of seemingly unrelated events, sets the stage for the future kings of the nation of Israel, and the glorious coming of the Messiah.

A Biblical Cinderella story from the archives of the royal Jewish bloodline, this story reveals the redemption of their inheritance through the child Obed, who was the grandfather of King David.

Strengths: A nice touch at the movie's start and end, showing David in conversation with his grandfather, Obed.

Weaknesses:  Far too many faults: Naomi with bangs; Christian rock singer Carmen looking like a 21st century time traveler; an ongoing stream of modern cliches;  a desert travel scene that drags on forever; a soundtrack that has not been mixed properly.  Be ready to adjust the volume on your remote!

Set Apart

Promotional Summary:

The city--and all of its negative influences--is all these kids have ever known...and they think of it as their friend. Now Rey, Korina, Marcus, and Anthony must face the toughest decision of their lives: Is the hope of redemption enough to lure them away from the streets? Combining the action and excitement of a Western with the laughter of a comedy, Set Apart is a poignant coming-of-age drama about true friendship.

Strengths: Richard Roundtree (Shaft) is cast in a refreshingly respectable role that challenges inner-city kids to a higher moral standard and faith in God.

Weaknesses:  Christian actors John Scheider (Smallville) and Jennifer O'Neill (Summer of '42) add little presence to the movie.  The plot is close to a being a copycat of The Ride (see below), only with a weaker gospel presentation and more predictable outcome.

The Board

Promotional Summary:
The Board is a dramatic film that explores a person's soul which is represented by a board of directors. The members of this board (Mind, Memory, Emotion, Heart, Will, and Conscience) discuss and vote on seemingly mundane events until a co-worker poses a dilemma that has eternal consequences. When faced with a powerful indictment, the board's hypocritical self-defense is exposed as it wrestles with the ultimate decision that every person must make. This short-film fantasy will reveal the reality of how God speaks to your own soul as you consider your eternal destiny.
Strengths: The Holy Spirit came to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This movie provides a dynamic medium for all three. Viewers will be challenged to think about themselves in relation to a holy God and gracious Gospel. Though extremely low-budget, the well-designed one-room set is more than adequate for staging a convicting dialog within the human soul.  Acting is also solid.
Weaknesses:  One's psyche cannot be delineated into separately functioning components.  Viewers must therefore wrestle with each component in relation to the whole.  As the producers undoubtedly realize this, more clarity would be helpful.  For example, Heart could be portrayed even more as the summation of mind, memory, emotion, conscience, and will.

Come What May

Promotional Summary:

When does life really begin?  If college student Caleb Hogan argues what he truly believes, he stands to lose the most important competition of his life... and the support of his mother.  If he softens his stance, he might win the coveted title... but lost the heart of his teammate Rachel in the process.

Strengths: This movie refutes the abortion movement at its philosophical core, while providing excellent role modeling and direction for adolescents as they enter the "dating" years.  The entire youth cast is comprised of home schoolers.

Weaknesses:  Uncertainty as to how Caleb's mother ends up in the Moot court debate, though it is fitting she did.

Gifted Hands

Promotional Summary:

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn't have much of a chance.  Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared.  And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him.  Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself.  That faith would be his gift - the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world's leading neurosurgeons.

Strengths: An outstanding movie for any adolescent who lacks direction  and motivation in life!  Good casting, acting, and directing from beginning to end!
Weaknesses:  God is glorified for His providence in the life of this surgeon. The gospel is not presented, though an indication of Ben's repentance and faith in God is seen in his embrace of the Bible.

Saving God

Promotional Summary:

After serving 15 years for manslaughter, reformed pastor Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames) is determined to make amends with the neighborhood he abandoned.  Returning to his late father's church, he reaches out to Norris, a young drug dealer on the path to self-destruction.  Together the two fight for a forgiven past and a brighter future.

Strengths:  Wake up, Hollywood! This movie is proof-positive that the dark side of the inner city can be portrayed without deluging the audience with profanity. A powerful presentation that maintains a grip on the viewer.  Ving Rhames' presence throughout is commanding. Those of you who remember Dean McDermott (aka, Constable Turnbull from the 1990 TV series, Due South,) will be impressed by his now contrasting role as a  local drug lord).  The Gospel message is presented clearly.
Weaknesses:  Several ironies are introduced during the closing scenes, some of which are unsatisfying.  The movie ends on a positive note with two of the leading characters, but leaves you hanging with others.