AMISH GRACE

AMISH GRACE - 2010

RATED - PG for mature themes. Closer to G. The violence at the center of the film is only implied.  Nothing is shown.

RATINGS -  5 Amazon (5/5),  211 Netflix (4.2/5), 143 IMDB (7.1/10).

STARRING - Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride 1 & 2)

AWARDS - Highest rated original movie shown on Lifetime.

THEMES - Relationships, spirituality, justice.

STORY - Based on the true story of the murder of five innocent Amish school girls in 2006 in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. The main family in the story is fictional, however. Great acting and screenplay.  Emotional without being manipulative. Violent without showing any violence. Inspirational without being preachy. I have always been critical of faith-based films that are basically 'sermons disguised as films'. Faith-based films should be great stories where the message is an integral part of the story. This is one of those. At the heart of the story is a horrific crime. A lone gunman backs his pickup to a one room Amish school, walks in and proceeds to kill five young Amish girls and wound five others.  What happens after that is almost as unbelievable. Three Amish men, including the father of one of the victims, visit the home of the killer to offer forgiveness and help to the gunman's widow. But not everyone finds it easy to forgive.  Ida Graber (Paisley) isn't buying it. 'I will not betray my daughter by forgiving her killer'.  What follows is for the most part the struggle between two women, both mothers & wives, struggling with forgiveness and their husbands from two totally different perspectives. While we may all have a tendency to see the Amish as stoic and and almost mechanical or robotic in their faith, this is not at all what comes thru in the film. While raising (but not answering) some inconsistencies in their practices, we see them as real humans struggling to deal with this horrific crime against their community. One of the most powerful scenes is at the funeral for the gunman. This is a movie that will haunt you and stick with you as you consider (at least I did) how to live out a live of forgiving with even just the most mundane grievances. What could this mean for communities, our nation and our world if forgiveness were truly practiced.  I highly recommend this film. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/18.2010.

LINKS - IMDB, NETFLIX, AMAZON,  The Power of Forgiveness

THE SECRETS OF JONATHAN SPERRY

THE SECRETS OF JONATHAN SPERRY - 2008

RATED - PG for mild thematic elements. VERY family friendly.

RATINGS - 4 Amazon (5/5), 5,036 Netflix (3.7/5), 89 IMDB (6.1/10).

STARRING - Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat) as Jonathan Sperry, Jansen Panettiere as Dustin.  Directed by Rich Christiano.

THEMES - Spirituality, relationships.

STORY - First of all, I love films where faith plays an important role in the story and where it fits into the movie but is not necessarily the center of the narrative. The latter tend to come across as sermons disguised as movies or books or whatever.  This film has too much of that.  The only thing missing was the altar call and I don't say that to be overly critical.  For being set in 1970 it still comes across as too much like Leave It To Beaver. The 'good' kids seems a little too good and the 'bad' dude seems a little too good, also.  In not wanting to offend the 'church' audience they sanitize it to the point it doesn't seem real.  The bullies I remember used language that offended and other gestures that conveyed less than holy thoughts.  Even good kids didn't always have it together or behave appropriately all the time. While the acting is pretty decent and it has warm fuzzies, it just doesn't come across as a realistic portrayal of the way life happens even to those whose faith is a priority in their life.  Is it a waste of time?  No, it has its merits and there are several meaningful lessons to be considered by viewers. Many will be inspired by the message of the film. There is nothing wrong with the movie, it's just that I would love to see people of faith concentrate on developing great stories where faith fits naturally into the story instead of developing a message and trying to fit it into a movie.  There is a difference and the difference is between a realisic portrayal of life and what we would like to imagine life to be like. This is a film that has a message but ultimately it will probably 'preach to the choir'. 

LINKS - IMDB/TRAILER

THE PISTOL

THE PISTOL - 1991

RATED - G - Very family friendly. Should be very interesting for Junior High and Senior High athletes, both boys and girls. Great film for coaches to show their teams.

RATINGS - 10 Amazon (4.5/5), 11,067 Netflix (3.7/5), 357 IMDB (7.1/10).

THEMES - Relationships, perseverance, racial issues.

STORY - Pete Maravich is the greatest scorer in the history of NCAA basketball. Think about it. This is a record that has stood for 40 years AND he did it before the three point rule (he was a guard with many of his shots outside today's three point boundary) AND freshman were not eligible when he played so he did it in three years. He averaged 44 points (charts show it would have been an incredible 57 with the three point rule) per game for three seasons. He also went on to become one of the all time great NBA players and was the youngest ever selected for the Hall of Fame. He was also a pioneer of the free wheeling style of basketball that dominates today. Behind the back passes and between the legs dribbling were unheard of in the white dominated basketball culture. Much more common in the segregated black teams and leagues, it was considered show-boating and hot-dogging in the white culture at that time. But Pete had a Dad, Press Maravich (a great player & coach in his own right), who was also a visionary and saw this as the future of basketball. This film is the story of how a father passed on his dream and vision to his talented and determined son at an early age. The film primarily covers Pete's eighth grade basketball, a coming of age experience, for this young man, both socially and athletically. Too good for his age and not politically correct to beat out the coach's son, he sits on the bench for a good part of the season until an injury puts him in the starting lineup. Basketball would never be the same again. While not a big budget film, nevertheless, it is a very satisfying story of this incredible athlete in this particular stage of his career. Adam Guier, who plays the eighth grade Pete, is no slouch as a basketball talent and makes the basketball scenes very real. Get the family or your team together for a fun and inspiring experience. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 01/01/2010.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, WIKIPEDIA

THE RON CLARK STORY

THE RON CLARK STORY - 2006 (TV)

RATED - NR but probably PG for some minor violence and language. Family friendly. Best for age 12 and above.

RATINGS - 59 Amazon (4.5/5), 134,128 Netflix (4/5), 3,461 IMDB (7.6/10).

STARRING - Matthew Perry who was nominated for an Emmy as the Best Lead Actor.

AWARDS - Numerous nominations, including Emmy and Golden Globe. Won Family Film Award for Best TV Movie/Drama.

STORY - This is the true story of Ron Clark, a teacher in rural North Carolina, who had a dream to teach in the toughest area of New York City. The dream wasn't just for himself, it was for that indifferent young boys and girls, against great odds, could become successful in life if only they could believe it was possible. Not only were the odds great against any of his students going beyond elementary school, the odds seemed even greater against Ron Clark making it through his first year of teaching in the toughest school in Harlem. But he had a dream and he was 'naive' enough and idealistic enough to believe he could reach that goal. While optimism and belief are essential, it is also helpful to have talent and Ron Clark is a very gifted and creative teacher. He was willing to experiment with various ways to reach this rebellious kids who wanted nothing to do with school or him. If making a fool of himself trying to 'double dutch' jump rope would get their attention, then so be it. The kids were more important than his ego. His relationships with parents should be an example for any teacher who really wants to make a difference with their students. This is one of those truly inspirational films and stories that comes along once in a great while. Not only has he helped students reach their potential but he has written a best selling book of classroom rules called THE ESSENTIAL 55 for teachers. We may not all have the same talents as Ron Clark but we can all be inspired to use what we have to the best of our ability and for the benefit of others. Put this at the top of the list. Unfortunately, it's OOP and somewhat expensive to purchase but readily available as a rental. Enjoy! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/15/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

GIFTED HANDS

GIFTED HANDS - 2009 (TV)

RATED - NR but probably PG for mature themes, minor violence and intense surgery scenes. Very family friendly.

RATINGS - 27 Amazon (4.5/5), 12,094 Netflix (4.3/5), 452 IMDB (7.3/10).

STARRING - Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Dr. Ben Carson

THEMES - Justice, relationships, spirituality.

AWARDS - 4 prime time Emmy nominations.

STORY - This is the life story of Dr. Ben Carson, chief of pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins University and considered the world's best pediatric surgeon. The story begins with Dr. Carson being asked to consider operating on the two sons of a German couple who are joined at the abdomen and skull. No one has ever performed this surgery successfully with both children surviving. The film then flashes back to the childhood of Dr. Carson. He was raised by an illiterate but very loving and determined single mother who married at the age of 13 and was divorced soon after when she discovered her 'husband' was married at the same time to another woman with another family. She was determined that her two sons would not turn out the same way she did. It is an amazing story of this mother and her love and determination. Ben, not realizing he needed glasses, consistently performed way below the other students in class until his mother used all their savings to get him a pair. That, along with her firm hand in making the two boys read two books a week from the library (along with written reports) as well as limiting TV watching to two programs a week turned Ben into the 'student of the year' in 8th grade. Even that, however, was tainted, as a teacher at the award ceremony berated the other students for letting a 'boy of color' with serious disadvantages and a single mother outperform them. The story continues with his achievements and struggles through high school and his scholarship years at Yale and on to his residency at Johns Hopkins. The story then takes us back to the conclusion of the decision whether or not to operate on the German twins. It is an incredible story of someone who not had the 'gifted hands' needed to be a great surgeon but also the determination, humility and faith to make a life of great service to his fellow humans against great odds. The acting is outstanding. I would encourage everyone and every family to make this a 'must watch'. I would also highly recommend SOMETHING THE LORD MADE, another story about a great African-American surgeon, Dr. Vivian Thomas, who was born 30 years too early to be able to have the same opportunities as Dr. Carson, but nevertheless made a great contribution to medicine that is still being used today. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/15/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, SOMETHING THE LORD MADE REVIEW

P.S. As I was watching GIFTED HANDS and THE RON CLARK STORY and reflecting, also, on SOMETHING THE LORD MADE, I was impressed by how these men (in these particular cases), who were/are extraordinarily gifted, used their gifts to benefit others as opposed to the kind of greed and ego we see so often today, especially on Wall Street, where some (not all) have so abused their positions and ruined the lives of millions of others and almost took down the entire U.S. economy. It also reminded me that those of us who have lesser gifts still have those same options - whether to use them for the benefit of others or simply to profit from them. How will we be judged for what we have done with our giftedness??

BELIEVE IN ME

BELIEVE IN ME - 2006

RATED - PG for some language and thematic elements. Family friendly.

RATINGS - 2 Amazon (4.5/5), 61,013 Netflix (4/5), 263 IMDB (6.6/10).

AWARDS - 2006 Cowboy Award for Best Feature Film and Best Score.

THEMES - Relationships, justice, commitment, teamwork.

STORY - It's the fall of 1956 in Middleton, Oklahoma and Clay Driscoll, young and eager, reports for his new job and the start of what he believes is a career coaching boys basketball. It's basketball but he's been hired to coach the girls, not the boys. Based on the true story of Jim Owens, one of the greatest high school coaches in Oklahoma history, this was back when girls were truly considered second class by most in the sports world and the Middleton community barely gave them that much recognition. Clay Driscoll fights the school board, the parents and the man who runs the community with an iron fist to gain equality and respect for the girls' program. A terrific, family friendly film about the difference one person can make in a school, in a community, and in the lives of young people. It's the female version of HOOSIERS. It's well done and will grab your heart watching these young athletes fight back to gain the respect of their community and eventually, the entire state. An evening well spent. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 02/28/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX - 2005

RATED - TV PG (Family Friendly)

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (4.5/5), 5,077 Netflix (4.1/5), 276 IMDB (6.7/10).

STARRING - Ted Danson and a host of talented students.

THEMES - Relationships, pursuing your dream.

STORY - The film begins with former engineer businessman Richard Mason (Danson) showing up at an inner-city school for what he thought was to be his first day teaching sixth grade. It turns out to be fourth grade and they're not very interested in learning. Based on true events, Mason, a chess master, finds common ground with the students in teaching them the game of chess in a way that challenges and motivates them to want to be the best. Mason, dealing with his own demons at home, finds a new life in the classroom and so do the students. While the plot and ending may be somewhat predictable, the film feels true and realistic. There is always room for one more well done story of someone who thinks outside the box to change their world and those around them for good. May their tribe increase! Very entertaining and family friendly.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB

THE FOURTH WISE MAN

THE FOURTH WISE MAN - 1985

RATED - NR but most likely G.

RATINGS - 41 Amazon (5/5), 4,707 Netflix (3.5/5), 173 IMDB (6.7/10).

STARRING - Martin Sheen (Artaban), Alan Arkin (Orontes)

STORY - Based on the novel by Henry van Dyke, 'The Story of the Other Wise Man', it is the story of Artaban, a Magi and medical doctor who leaves his practice and wealth behind to find the King of Kings he believes has been born in Jerusalem. His father assigns his servant Orontes to go along and protect Artaban and promises to set him free when he returns safely. Artaban brings three precious and valuable gifts to present this new King. Pursuing every lead they find, they are always just missing Jesus at every turn. Their journey lasts 33 years culminating on Easter Sunday. Though fiction, it incorporates many Biblical facts and is a fascinating tale of one man's search for meaning in life and how that changes him along the way. Arkin also does a great job as the reluctant, humorous servant more interested in returning home and getting his freedom than finding this Messiah. Although not a big budget film, the acting is good and the story is very meaningful. Add this to your Christmas watch list for the whole family. It's available for instant play on Netflix. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/25/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB.