NATURE'S MOST AMAZING EVENTS

NATURE'S MOST AMAZING EVENTS - 2009

RATED - NR but probably PG. This is a very family friendly series but there are some scenes of animals attacking and killing other animals. Not overly graphic but perhaps a caution for younger children.

RATINGS - 17 Amazon (4.5/5), 12,558 Netflix (4/5), 69 IMDB (9.1/10).

STARRING - David Attenborough as narrator and some awesome camera and production crews.

STORY - This outstanding series from the BBC covers six of the most amazing events in nature that take place on a regular basis. You will travel from the Arctic to British Columbia and to the Serengeti on the first disc and then back to South Africa, on to Botswana and back to the Pacific Ocean and Alaska on the second disc. Not only are the events themselves amazing but the camera work is spectacular. It would be hard to overstate the work of the BBC in producing documentaries about our planet and nature. They are the best. Just as interesting as the episode itself is the 10 minute 'diary' at the end of each episode showing clips of the camera crew filming various scenes and the challenges they encountered in producing that particular show. These men and women are true adventurers in every sense of the word to get these films produced. I don't think anyone will regret the time spent watching these amazing films and learning more about this incredible planet we inhabit. Five stars all the way. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/27/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

GOD ON TRIAL

GOD ON TRIAL - 2008

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes. Total rear nudity of male prisoners being 'examined' by the doctor to determine who dies and who lives.

RATINGS - 12 Amazon (5/5), 4,476 Netflix (3.4/5), 360 IMDB (7.3/10).

THEMES - Spirituality, justice, character of God.

STORY - This outstanding PBS Masterpiece Theater film recreates what was possibly an actual event that took place at Auschwitz. Some of the prisoners, including a group of new arrivals still in shock, were discussing (not unlike the debate Job and his friends had) whether God had broken His covenant with them as His chosen people by allowing them to be exterminated by the Nazis. They decided the only way to decide was to put God on trial. A panel of three 'judges' was selected, one of whom actually taught criminal law in real life. . What follows is a passionate discussion of whether God has abandoned His people and, therefore, is guilty of the atrocities happening there. The discussion is well reasoned and intelligent. How can a loving God allow this evil, especially with those He is supposed to have such a special relationship with? You may find yourself asking the same questions. How is this possible? What kind of God would allow this? A father and son, one slated to die the next day, vigorously disagree. It's one thing to talk about evil in the abstract. It's quite another to talk about when you are facing the death sentence the next day. You may be surprised at which one defends God and why. The debate is vigorous and stimulating. You may be surprised at the 'verdict'. For many people, this is the ultimate question. How do we deal with evil and a loving God? The acting is terrific and realistic. Watch this and 'you be the judge'. A wonderful contribution to quality programming on television. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/12/09.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, ELIE WIESEL BOOK -TRIAL OF GOD

HARVARD BEATS YALE 29-29

HARVARD BEATS YALE 29-29 - 2008

RATED - NR but probably G. This is a football documentary.

RATINGS - 13,718 Netflix (3.6/5), 130 IMDB (7.4/10).

STORY - It's November 23, 1968 and, for the first time since 1909 Harvard and Yale are meeting in the last game of the season and both teams are undefeated. Yale is ranked 16th in the nation and is heavily favored. The title of the film gives away the ending but doesn't tell you or show you the improbable, almost impossible, ending to this game. If this was Michigan & Ohio State it would have been the game of the century. For the most part, except for Calvin Hill and Tommy Lee Jones, there are no household names in either lineup. But it's more than just a game, it's Harvard & Yale, the elite of the elite, and it's 1968 and the Vietnam War is at its height and the country has had two more assassinations with MLK & RFK. As exciting as the game was, the film is also a commentary on our country, particularly what was going on in the colleges & universities. The documentary is the game footage interspersed (sometimes in the middle of the play to create suspense) with commentary from the actual players involved in that play. As you might expect, the players are articulate and intelligent. You get a lot more than just comments on the game. Do you want to hear one opinion on why the sexual revolution was going on? Do you want to know what it was like to date Meryl Streep and what was she like as a college co-ed? How about who roomed with Al Gore and George W. Bush and the pranks they were involved in? What of a former decorated Marine just back from Vietnam and what it was like to confront war protestors in front of every classroom building and play on the same team with players who protested and participated in SDS. While I agree that mostly real football fans are going to want to watch this, it has broader appeal than some reviewers give it credit for. It's very well done and entertaining as well as quite a game. A little nostalgia for baby boomer football fans. Enjoy. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/12/09.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, TRAILER