Movie Reviews

Step into the exotic world of the Persian court, where one courageous woman dares to speak truth on behalf of her people! Based on Tommy Tenney's blockbuster novel, One Night with the King tells the story of how beautiful Esther rises from peasant to princess, captures the king's heart, defies his malevolent prime minister, and thwarts horrific plans for genocide. Stars Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif.  (PG) 117 minutes.

Based on the bestseller by Francine Rivers! An Appalachian burial tradition in the 1850s fascinates 10-year-old Cadi, who is consumed with guilt over her little sister's death. Can the mysterious Last Sin Eater really "absolve" her wrongdoing by breaking bread and drinking wine - especially when her family's dark secret is exposed and threatens to split the community?  (PG-13) 117 minutes.

He was college basketball's highest scorer - but there was more to hardwood hero Pete Maravich than his dazzling Hall of Fame career! The Pistol, Inspirational Edition explores the faith that fueled his character on and off the court, during his last years on earth. Special features include Pete's personal testimony, discussion questions for coaches and youth leaders, and English and Spanish language tracks. (G) 104 minutes.

In this film adaptation of the heart-tugging novel by Jerry Jenkins, Through None with Me, Cheryl Ladd stars as Elizabeth Leroy Bishop, a woman whose faith and strength remain constant, whatever sorrows and tragedies befall her. Set in the small town of Three Rivers, her inspiring story spans five decades, two world wars, and the Great Depression. 100 minutes.

More Than Dreams (Dreams and Visions 2006) is a professionally produced DVD with testimonies of five Muslims from Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran and Turkey whose encounters with Christ through dreams and visions compelled them to leave Islam and turn to Jesus. Recorded in Arabic and soon available in Farsi (the language of Iran and Afghanistan), this resource appeals to literate and n on-literate populations and provides English and French subtitles. This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching production perfect for outreach to Muslims from anywhere. To order, visit www.dreamsandvisions.com. For more resources on Islam, visit www.4truth.net.

The blockbuster portrayal of unsung hero William Wilberforce! Born in 1759 to a wealthy family and elected to Parliament at age 21, Wilberforce doggedly continued his decades-long legislative battle against slavery until his death in 1833 - one month before the practice was finally outlawed in the United Kingdom. "A brilliant and powerful presentation!" Chuck Colson. (PG.) 111 minutes.  DVD

After their mother's death, estranged sisters Sarah and Wanda wrangle over the family pecan grove. But they're startled to discover an old woman living on the property, claiming it as hers. As Sara's teenage daughter befriends elderly Lilly, she uncovers a tragedy that will haunt - and unite - them all. Starring Della Reese, Meredith Baxter, and Patricia Heaton. 92 minutes. DVD

A revival meeting changes a rowdy young man into the Lord's servant! This is the true story of Robert Sheffey, the renowned 19th-century circuit-riding preacher whose proclamation of the gospel transformed thousands of lives as he traveled on horseback to minister to those living among the Appalachian Mountains. 2 hours, 15 minutes. DVD

www.thenativitystory.com

In the third installment of Janette Oke's popular Love Comes Softly series, Missie and Will LaHaye move westward and settle in Tettsford Junction. Willie rustles up misfit ranch hands to help him, while pregnant Missie befriend their Native American neighbors. Stepping out in faith, the young couple shares faraway dreams - and finds family in unlikely places. 88 minutes.

Get swept away by another heartwarming video featuring beloved characters from Janette Oke! Here, Clark and Marty continue the romance they began in Love Comes Softly. As they preside over their growing family, their prairie house begins to feel crowded - but never too full to welcome new friends and neighbors from the frontier! Directed by Michael Landon, Jr. 88 minutes.

Full of hope for the future, Marty and Aaron Claridge venture west in search of a new life. Suddenly tragedy strikes and Marty is left alone. When widower Clark Davis suggests a "marriage of convenience," Marty reluctantly says yes - and discovers new love growing where there was once only pain. Michael Landon, Jr., directs Janette Oke's heartwarming tale. 88 minutes.

After their treacherous journey west, Missie and her husband set up their homestead and begin raising a family. Now that the railroad connects the frontier states, Clark and Marty Davis can finally visit their daughter, Missie, and meet their adorable grandsons. But the joyful reunion is interrupted by tragedy. An unforgettable family drama, directed by Michael Landon, Jr. 85 minutes.

Ten-year old "preacher's kid" Opal is new in town - and lonely. When she asks God to help her make friends, a gigantic, shaggy stray dog is not what she has in mind. But from the moment Opal sees "Winn-Dixie,: she knows he's meant to be hers - and that wonderful adventures lie ahead! Based on the Newbery Honor-winning novel (PG) 109 minutes.

The neighborhood's newest resident is a humble miracle-working carpenter. As he quietly encourages townspeople to remove barriers that divide them, some - including church leaders - begin to fear him. Based on Joseph Girzone's best-selling novel and featuring an award-winning cast, this thought-provoking film asks, "What if Jesus visited small-town America today?" Includes behind-the-scene extras. Music b y Michael W. Smith. 90 minutes. Close-captioned

This movie is about a burned-out, depressed football coach whose life takes a miraculous turn for the better. This movie is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA said the movie contained strong 'thematic elements' that might disturb some parents. The MPAA initially explained "that the movie was heavily laden with messages from one religion and that this might offend people from other religions." Kris Fuhr of Provident Films said, "It is interesting that faith has joined that list of deadly sins [profanity, violence, and brief nudity] the MPAA board wants to warn parents to worry about." Later, the chairwoman of the rating board said the decision had nothing to do with Christianity but was based on football violence as well as the inclusion of mature topics such as depression and infertility. It is now being billed as an inspirational drama about a high school football coach who relies on faith to battle fear and failure. Co-written and co-produced by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, associate pastors of media at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. Opens September 29.

But the story doesn't end there. It seems God is about to use the tragedy that happened 50 years ago to help hundreds of thousands -- maybe millions --  to come to know Christ in our day, using The End Of The Spear. It is a major motion picture (production cost $12 million) that tells the story of God's grace from the perspective of the Waodoni. This is a movie I plan to see.

This film is based on the CS Lewis series, "The Chronicles of Narnia." Lewis authored the Narnia series during the 1950s. The entire series of books will eventually be made into movies. They have thrilled audiences, young and old, throughout the world. The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe tells of the adventures of four children who tumble through the door of a mysterious wardrobe, only to find themselves in Narnia - an enchanted world of talking beasts, fauns, dwarfs, giants, and other creatures. I took my family to see this film and was surprised at how excellently this film was produced. There are illusions of Christian themes throughout the movie. I recommend this film as a "family friendly" movie and one that the family will enjoy.

**A movie to be aware of**

The DaVinci Code

Answering the DaVinci Code