Movies

The Second Chance
Provident Films - 18 July 06 - 102 minutes

Sure, this movie on paper looks scary. Scary in the sense that it has plenty of opportunity to fail. However, with Steve Taylor in the director's chair, solid performances from Michael W Smith and Jeff Obafemi Carr, and some good soundtrack choices, The Second Chance winds up being a very nice film.

The main story follows a church leadership team that has traded its original mission for a life of comfort and cameras. Led by Ethan Jenkins (Smith), who has been thrown in the fire so-to-speak, they realize that they've lost their mission and they end up on the roof. And, in so many words, we all belong on the rooftops. Overall, though, the film works well within the confines of reality to issue a challenge to us as the church to remember our mission. Warning to parents: It's rated PG-13 for drug references and some tense situations.

My Tagline: Smizzity gets a wake up call from the other side of the tracks.
The perfect snack for this film is... Oreo cookies.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . greyish-blue - mixed emotions as you face a challenge to reach out.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Walt Disney Video - 04 April 06 - 134 minutes

Whether or not you've read the Chronicles of Narnia book series - and if you haven't, do check it out - this movie stands up pretty well on its own. The cinematography is breathtaking as it often is given the location and the special effects are quite dazzling. I will agree with some of the concerns about trivializing the effect and power behind Aslan by giving him a voice and a set of measurable dimensions since it does limit your imaginative efforts to some extent, but there's really no way around that.

If you're unaware of the story, it follows the adventures of four youngsters as they've discovered a younger world, known as Narnia. It just so happens that an epic battle is set to take place as Aslan, the lion who created the world of Narnia, returns to find the land dominated by the evil spells of a white witch. The war of good versus evil plays out in the lives of numerous animals, fabled creatures, and four children who would be royalty. Certainly there are some scenes that are pretty intense, but overall the movie is family friendly as the story is so well layered that it will speak to young and old alike. The DVD also includes lots of splendid special features for those who get into that sort of thing.

My Tagline: Sacrifice, sorcery, and selective interpretations.
The perfect snack for this film is... animal crackers.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . purple - excited about the possibility of being noble and saving the world with Aslan.

The Visitation
20th Century Fox - 28 February 06 - 103 minutes

I clearly remember reading The Visitation by Frank Peretti. I was younger and was totally convinced that Peretti was the best writer of spiritually based fiction thrillers. Not to say that it was a bad book or anything, it's a real page-turner and I'm sure that I would enjoy it again if I read it today. That being said, I was pretty excited to learn that The Visitation was slated to receive the movie treatment and release as a film.

Unfortunately, the story didn't seem to translate all that well from the book to the screen - at least as far as I remembered the text. I don't really know where to cast the blame or if there even is a suitable scapegoat. I just know that as I watched the movie it was far too easy to disconnect myself from the story. I think it was partly because the acting left a bit to be desired, the script was a bit lacking, and the special effects were, at times, quite laughable - having been done before with much better quality. Overall, it was an okay movie, but not the engrossing thriller that I expected from the book.

My Tagline: Angel or demon or both?
The perfect snack for this film is... licorice.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . black and yellow swirled - tense moments broken up by laughter.

Music

Petra: Farewell
Inpop Records - 7 March 06 - 62 minutes

I know it sounds somewhat trite to say that I have mixed feelings about this DVD, but to be perfectly honest, my feelings are truly mixed. Like many of you, I grew up with Petra as somewhat of a standard of rock music. It's pretty hard to grasp the fact that they've been around for thirty-three years at this point, but perhaps harder still to grasp that they're finished.

This final concert proves to be much more enjoyable than the CD release of the project as the visuals are pretty essential to the mix. It's pretty interesting and "cool" to see the members of the group performing one last time. Reuniting former members with the current band is a great touch and the two medleys are certainly the highlight of the show. Be that as it may, the quality of the recording and the footage leaves something to be desired and ends up being something of a downfall for the project as a whole. It's adequate, but I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing that the band could've gone out on a better note.

My Tagline: Rock the house one more time before it crumbles all around you.
The perfect snack for this film is... rock candy.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . green - slightly sad but mostly indifferent.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: I'm Amazed..
INO Records - 7 March 06 - 93 minutes

I never paid much attention to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir before the past couple years. However, having listened to the "I'm Amazed... Live" album, it opened my eyes to the greatness with which many of you were already familiar. The harmonies are truly something that's quite enjoyable and the sheer power of that many voices is simply breathtaking.

This DVD features some great live footage from the choir as well as a number of personal profiles and stories from several of the members. If the solid performance isn't enough to inspire you in and of itself - and it really should be - then these testimonies should push you over the proverbial edge. It's completely fascinating and enthralling to see a choir like this work so well together and present such a remarkable message in a traditional format that still speaks to us in this "cutting edge" age. The testimony segments come in and out pretty nicely as well.

My Tagline: Harmony has a home and a histoy.
The perfect snack for this film is... symphony bars.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . a lighter shade of red - inspired and relaxed.

Denver & The MHO: Live at Long Hollow
Reel Loud Records - 7 February 06 - 120 minutes

Who says swing music is dead? There will always be a place for good solid swing music that's performed well and this DVD proves it. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra treat listeners to a great concert, adding visuals to the already strong sound. This 2-disc set includes the full concert (over an hour and a half in length) as well as several great bonus features like bloopers, an interview, and a special acoustic performance.

Between the snazzy suits, the sweat, onstage shenanigans and all the sweet solos, viewers can hardly help but dance along to the beat as the group presents their unique versions of classic hymns such as "It Is Well" and "All Hail the Power" as well as their own songs set to an infectious jazzy sound. Definitely a fun concert to watch.

My Tagline: Swing farther and faster in the high altitude.
The perfect snack for this film is... circle starlight mints.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . orangish-red - you're sweating too much from all the dancing.

Family Features

Highway to Heaven: Seasons 1&2
A&E Entertainment - 26 April 05 - 24 Episodes (7 discs)
A&E Entertainment - 30 August 05 - 24 Episodes (6 discs)

Well, Highway to Heaven may have been a long shot for the networks and it may not be based on the most accurate or acceptable theology, but there's something about watching Michael Landon as the calm and collected angel helping others through their problems that just kind of gets you right there.

Sure enough, the series did well in its time and has made a pretty strong return recently thanks to the TV on DVD craze. Those looking for some good wholesome entertainment can certainly find it here as Jonathan Smith (Landon) travels around from assignment to assignment, offering advice that won't assault your conscience. There are five seasons to collect, but the first two are enough to remind you why the series was such a hit. You may feel a little strange popping in the DVDs to watch a show from the 80s, but deep down inside, you know you enjoy it. Note to parents: Some of the episodes deal with some tough topics, so be ready to discuss some issues if you watch them with your children.

My Tagline: Life is a highway and apparently so is the afterlife.
The perfect snack for this film is... sweet tarts.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . bluish green - emotional.

VeggieTales: Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler
Big Idea - 11 March 06 - 52 minutes

I'll be the first one to admit it. Whenever VeggieTales releases a new episode, I'm just as excited as my boys to sit down and watch it. Between their enthusiasm and my own chance to feel like a kid again, it's generally a win-win situation. In the case of Sheerluck Holmes, Big Idea has done it again, providing entertainment for the kids that adults can enjoy as well.

Clocking in at just under an hour (so much for "sweet and sour - half an hour"), Sheerluck gives us two stories in one DVD. The first, Asparagus of La Mancha, is a clever parody that tells the story of a Don Quixote. After a Silly Song with Larry ("Gated Community"), the DVD is completed with the main feature, a spoof of Sherlock Holmes that teaches a lesson about friendship. Larry learns to treat his friends with more respect and love instead of enjoying all of the spotlight for himself. Loaded with extra features and the usual VeggieTale hilarity, this one's sure to be another hit.

My Tagline: For more than the elementary crowd, dear watchers.
The perfect snack for this film is... vegetable tray.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . orange - as happy as carrots.

Go Fish: Showtime
GFK Records - 14 March 06 - 28 minutes

With the tagline "Great music for kids that won't drive parents BONKERS," how can you go wrong, right? Well, you may remember Go Fish as a three-piece a capella pop group geared for adults. Now that they've refocused their efforts to entertain children, they've found their niche.

The truth of the matter is that the DVD is quite entertaining for younger kids and I honestly don't think I've gone bonkers. Besides the music that encourages a lot of dancing, clapping and praising God, the Go Fish Guys take viewers to a county fair with plenty of farm animal friends and interesting facts to teach kids. Probably not one to gather the family around to watch often, but it's definitely an enjoyable show for the younger set.

My Tagline: Good clean fun and "farm"-ony.
The perfect snack for this film is... swedish fish.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . brown - relaxed, with no strong emotions.

Miscellaneous

Brad Stine: Tolerate This
Right Minded Records - 23 August 05 - 80 minutes

Are you tired of a world where no one is held accountable for anything because we're all too worried about hurting his or her feelings? Well, so is Brad Stine and he's on a humorous rampage to teach people the value of taking a joke. Tolerate This! is Stine's third DVD release offering another dose of his stand up comedy act.

Personally, I'm kind of torn on the show. Yes, there are plenty of spots where you can't help but laugh, but it's a little tiresome being yelled at for an hour and a half - even if it is funny. Can't argue with the fact that he does his job well though. He's very entertaining and it's good to know that you don't have to worry about anything inappropriate for the family. Definitely check this out for a family evening of laughs and a running joke about helmets.

My Tagline: Clean funny man on a rampage.
The perfect snack for this film is... corn chips.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . lime green - somewhere between laughing and eye-rolling.

Miracles of Jesus
The Discovery Channel - 1 February 06 - 130 minutes (3 DVDs)

Ever wondered whether or not there's truth behind the Gospel accounts of the miracles Jesus performed? Backed by the BBC, Illusionist Brock Gill sets his sights on proving or disproving the authenticity of these miracles, testing them by today's standards and his own capabilities.

To be honest, this three-part series was nothing that I expected it to be, since I thought there would be much more "tricks" involved, but I was pleasantly surprised by the actual content. With the detailed look at a number of the "popular" miracles, I actually found myself gaining a whole new perspective on the importance of each one. It was a fascinating look at how the miracles related to the ministry and what implications they each had. I highly recommend this series simply for the information and interesting conclusions.

My Tagline: Action, illusion, music and extreme entertainment.
The perfect snack for this film is... a big candy cane.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . into a chain of dandelion stems - how on earth...?

Chonda Pierce: A Piece of My Mind
INO Records - 28 March 06 - 82 minutes

I don't know much about Chonda Pierce other than she claims to be the "queen of clean." She's had quite the career with books, music and comedy and this time around she offers us a piece of her mind. And the DVD gives us a glimpse at all aspects of her career. She sings, she tells jokes, and she shares her stories.

Admittedly, this DVD is not one of my favorites. I can see and understand some of the humor, but Pierce is clearly more suited for the female crowd - hence the Women of Faith dates. That's not to say that guys won't enjoy it, but well, they won't enjoy it as much as girls. Even Pierce herself points out that there are only a few men in attendance. That said, it's all in good fun and if you fit the description for the target audience, I'm sure you'll enjoy this show.

My Tagline: Music, mayhem, message and matriarchal humor.
The perfect snack for this film is... cheese curls.
If you were wearing a mood ring while watching this, it would most likely turn . . . pink - unleashing your inner Oprah.