AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
Above, Buck Storm at a recent book signing
September 2016 – Gifted storyteller – great first novel
There are not enough superlatives to commend songwriter/author Buck Storm’s debut novel, The Miracle Man. It is engaging, easy-going Americana populated with quirky characters of whom readers will think, She used to live next door. And that’s my crazy Uncle Joe! Heroes and villains alike are cleverly crafted, from the solid, steady sheriff to the charlatan tent preacher to an intriguing, three-dimensional supporting cast.
Storm is also a master at building a setting with precise details that make the reader right at home in 1950s Smalltown, U.S.A, from the sheriff's office to Shorty's café. His fictional Paradise, Arizona, could just as well be a New England coastal village or a deep South rural county seat.
Storm told AFA Journal that, though he’s always been a songwriter and performer, he’s long wanted to write a novel. He calls his music style “Christian Americana,” and that fits his novel, too.
“Art is an extension of life,” he said. “I write what I would want to read. And I wanted something families can read.”
His writing style exudes warmth and a sense of humor. The reader will laugh, cry, grow angry, and celebrate with the characters. Finally, Storm artfully couches his plot in a context of Christian moral values. Learn more at buckstorm.com and at online booksellers.
Randall Murphree
Owlegories Volume 3
Owlegories is back with Volume 3: The Fire, The Duck, and The Seasons. This volume brings back the lovable characters, running gags, and God-centered lessons the team has been building since Volume 1.
This time, the team has brought some extra help in the person of Uncle Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty. There is something very appealing to seeing Uncle Si in the form of a duck who still has his green plastic cup filled with iced tea.
As with previous episodes, children learn to see lessons about God in everything around them. While the demographic is certainly for children, parents will find the lessons encouraging and challenging as well.
Owlegories Volume 3 is available at owlegories.com and at online and retail stores.
Teddy James
God is Really, Really Real
A new book by pastor Jeff Davenport with a foreword by Ken Ham, God is Really, Really Real is designed as a resource for parents to use in teaching children biblical truths.
The almost 100-page book includes an overview of the gospel account in a rhyming narrative followed by 30 lessons, each addressing one biblical truth such as the Trinity, creation, prayer, grace, communion, baptism, holiness, judgment, Satan, Jesus Christ, and others. Each lesson includes a Scripture reference, a brief explanation of the doctrine in simple language for children, and follow-up questions to help children process and apply the teaching.
Cartoon-like illustrations are appealing, and Ham, president of Answers in Genesis, said this book makes Bible truths more than just a bedtime story for children.
Rebecca Davis
Big stage Bible dramas stir audiences
Above, Samson’s strength returns and the temple comes crashing down.
The Old Testament story of Samson and his extraordinary strength debuted on the huge wrap-around stages of Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, last spring.
No matter how often one may have read or heard the dramatic scene in which Samson brings the Philistine temple crashing down, the S&S portrayal of the event will startle theatergoers.
A thunderous rumbling seems to shake the building, actors scream in terror as huge columns break and crash toward the audience, and theater light fixtures plummet downward on cables, swinging wildly overhead throughout the theater. Samson truly engulfs guests in the experience. It will run through December 31.
Meanwhile, at the S&S Theatre in Branson, Missouri, Moses will run through the end of 2016. (See AFA Journal, 5/16 for review.)
S&S is now filming their stage productions for home viewing on DVD. For example, the bright, vibrant costumes and extravagant, life-like stage sets of Jonah translate to the home theater better than one might expect. This production totally immerses viewers in the world of this beloved Old Testament story. Jonah will captivate all ages.
S&S productions closely follow Bible stories while incorporating modern language and traditions to better explain biblical truths to children. In Jonah, the audience will see the real struggles faced by this Old Testament hero and how God can use even reluctant people for His plan. Jonah will return to the live stage in Lancaster in 2017.
For more information on DVDs, live shows, and tickets at both S&S locations, visit sight-sound.com or call toll free 800-377-1277.
Myra Gilmore, Randall Murphree
Two films marketed as Christian and/or family-friendly merit parental Caution
Martial arts is the bridge to responsibility for a teen in trouble with the law in The Martial Arts Kid. The movie features numerous violent fight scenes, one including men and women. The film has no Christian elements and a few obscenities.
Greater is based on the true, inspiring story of Brandon Burlsworth whose Christian faith and discipline led him to a spot on the University of Arkansas football squad. During his first year as a walk-on, teammates ridiculed him mercilessly, but he endured and eventually won them over. It’s not a story with a live-happily-ever-after ending, and there are several instances of vulgar language.
Randall Murphree
