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Reviews
War Horse (2011)
A truly exceptional film about courage in both man and beast
This is a wonderful "against all odds" inspirational story about courage and relationships. A horse of truly amazing spirit touches the lives of so many during War I - including British soldiers, German soldiers, French civilians and even other horses. I cannot recall any foul language throughout the film. The background and drama are epic. Steven Spielberg will take you through many emotions from humor, to sadness, to tears of joy. The scenery is gorgeous, the acting splendid, and the performances by the animals is simply remarkable. The cinematography has to be the best I've seen in a film. The last scene alone is a masterpiece.
Jeremy Irvine as "Albert" was particularly outstanding. I was also moved by the performance of French actor Niels Arestrup as the Grandfather and that of Celine Buckens who plays Emilie - his granddaughter. Of course, the War Horse -Joey- steals the show.
I cannot give a film any higher recommendation than I give this one. You will be moved to tears. Everyone in the family will enjoy it and you'll be pleased that you "participated" because you will be fully invested in this story emotionally.
Facing the Giants (2006)
A movie by Christians to remind fellow Christians that anything is Possible with God
My family and my 81 year-old mother watched this movie today. Several apparent non-Christians have posted comments about this picture here while admitting to never having watched it. I can only conclude that their criticisms are a reflection of negativity toward the Christian faith and those who follow Christ. If you have a similar attitude, do NOT watch this movie, it will not speak to you, and you likely do not have the foundation of faith to fully comprehend the spiritual truths that are woven throughout every thread of the story.
These are not Hollywood actors and this film will not be mentioned for any Oscars. Sherwood Productions is a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. The theme of the story is to praise God not only when things are going well but when things are not going well and trusting in the promises of His word regardless. For He is our strong shield, a mighty fortress, and the deliverer of those who trust in Him. Much as David, with God's strength and resting on His promises, delivered Israel from the Philistine giant, the characters in this picture discover the key to victory over the giants that plague their lives; fears over their own perceived inadequacies and seemingly overwhelming circumstances. In the process, an entire school and community is changed and their hope renewed.
As Christians, we thoroughly enjoyed this movie and were tremendously inspired by its simple yet very powerful message. I admit to shedding a few tears. My mother, who has been facing health problems in her life, said that it was just the encouragement she needed. If you are serious about your Christian faith I highly recommend this picture for the entire family. If you are a non-believer, facing troubles and trials in your life and willing to explore how God can open doors, I recommend you give this film a chance.
The Ron Clark Story (2006)
Inspirational, true story, suited for both adults and kids
I am no theatrical pun dent so this review is strictly from a laymen's perspective. If you like films that are inspiring, you'll love this movie. Like the 2006 release, "Akeelah and the Bee" starring Laurence Fishburne, this film is full of valuable life changing lessons and is motivational for kids as well as adults. I found it highly enjoyable and moving.
It is based on the true story of Ron Clark who was selected Disney's American Teacher of the Year in 2000. Clark moved from rural North Carolina to New York City during the 90s in pursuit of his teaching profession. He landed a job teaching a 5th grade class in a Harlem elementary school. The class was totally undisciplined and unconcerned about education. Before Ron's arrival, six other teachers had tried teaching the class during that very same school year but simply gave up in despair. The students are primarily from a disadvantaged background and were living out the low expectations that everyone had for them including their own perception that they were destined for failure.
Clark began by instilling much needed order and discipline into the classroom using rules that he calls "The Essential 55", which were subsequently published in his New York Time's bestseller, is distributed to over 25 countries and is in its 11th printing. However, this film does not concentrate on discipline but in a teacher believing in the worth of every human being and finding ways to convince even the lowest performing students of their own potential. Most would not have endured the frustration and initial defeat that Clark endured and would have simply given up on these kids, leaving them to continue unabated down a pathway of personal tragedy. Ron fights his own self doubt along the way as he teaches the students to believe in themselves, to set high goals, and guides them to recognizing their hidden potential. In the end, you are compelled to applaud the students for the miracle that has been wrought in their lives and are filled with admiration for what this man was able to accomplish in the worst of circumstances.
I have an untrained eye but I thought that Mathew Perry's performance was excellent. The young actors also gave great performances including Hannah Hodson as Shameika, Brandon Smith as Tayshawn and Micah Williams as Julio among others. I highly recommend this picture! Ron has appeared on the NBC Today Show and was a guest on Oprah. I found his web site and the link is as follows:
http://www.ronclark.info/About_Ron_Clark/
Gods and Generals (2003)
The Civil War primarily from the Southern Perspective
I am a native southerner and was glad to finally see a film which accurately reflects a perspective that many in the political correctness crowd do not wish to consider. Most want to make the struggle a fight between anti-slavery northerners and pro-slavery southerners and totally ignore the theme of independence, which was the primary motivation of southerners. Yes, it was independence - for the most part - to decide for themselves the issue of slavery. Nevertheless, it was for southerners a struggle for the right of self governance.
Regional allegiance was much stronger then than today and this is depicted very well in the opening scenes when COL Robert E. Lee is offered command of the Union forces before Virginia votes to secede. Lee, played masterfully by Robert Duvall, cannot bring himself to take up arms against his native Virginia. Later Lee went on to make a statement that was most meaningful to me as he gazed over Fredricksburg from the surrounding hills. To northern military leaders who crossed the Patomic and invaded the south, the south was little more than marks and symbols on a map. However, to us (southerners), the south is where we were born, where we fell in love, where our children were born and our parents buried. For us, it embodies our memories and our existence. It is who we are. Many, perhaps most, who fought for the Confederacy believed they were defending their homeland and little more.
I really enjoyed the depiction of Jackson played by Lang. Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson was, like Lee, a devout Christian man who was sympathetic to blacks. The role of faith is very prominent in the lives of people on both sides and is manifested very accurately in the life of Jackson.
If you are afraid or refuse to consider another perspective other than that written by the victors, then skip the movie. If you'd like to learn what southerners were really like and about their true motivations, then this movie will open your eyes. I also left with a sense of what a tragedy this war was in our nation's history. There is enough blame to go around for BOTH SIDES. I wish it had never happened.
We Were Soldiers (2002)
Inspiring dramatization of a true story. A case study of great leadership.
The movie centers around the events that transpired at la Drang Valley ("The Valley of Death") in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam in 1965. The battle at Landing Zone (LZ) X-Ray was the first significant engagement between U.S. forces and North Vietnamese Regulars (NVA). Approximately 400 members of the 7th Regiment, 1st Calvary Division (Custer's Regiment) found themselves confronting 2000 highly motivated NVA regulars who were battle hardened from the French-Indochina War. It was the early days of Air Cavalry when the helicopter assumed its troop carrying, combat role.
Mel Gibson played the role of LTC Hal Moore and Sam Elliot the role of his Sergeant Major. Both were magnificient. Gibson turns in another sterling performance worthy of an oscar. As a veteran, I was particularly impressed by Elliot's performance as a Sergeant Major. He captured the attitude and demeanor of the senior NCO perfectly. All of the performances were an outstanding and inspiring portrayal of courage and dedication to duty. Like the movie "Gettysburg", "We Were Soldiers" is a case study in leadership.
The film also focuses on the families of the men who fought there and the effects of war on those serving at the home front. Similarly, it focuses on the human side of the enemy and acknowledges their bravey and suffering as well. This film is a "must see" and will, no doubt, gather a great deal of attention at the Academy Awards.