AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
August 2007 – Between the Walls
Between the Walls is the latest in a line of films from Chris and Nic Staron, brothers who are dedicated to making quality Christian films.
Upon the pending foreclosure of his childhood home, Peter starts the process of packing up all the memories. His life soon turns into a nightmare when he finds the contents of his deceased father’s secret room, which reveals that his father had recorded everything that was ever said or done in the house. As Peter starts to listen to the tapes, it becomes painfully obvious that Peter’s upbringing was one of abuse, harsh religious indoctrination, and anger. Eventually, God uses these difficult reminders as well as his childhood friend Ryan to change Peter’s hard heart.
The message of redemption in this film is very inspiring and will create opportunities to discuss the importance of family relationships.
Between the Walls is not rated but it does contain intense dialogue, a few disturbing moments and some violent content. It may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Review by Hamilton Richardson
Flywheel
In an environment of fraud and deceptive advertising, a tale of true redemption takes place in Flywheel – the story of Jay Austin, an unscrupulous used car salesman, and one of his equally dishonest employees. Jay is a despicable man, angry at the world, in financial ruin and very abusive to his family. He has alienated everyone he loves and tries to fool them by “playing church” on Sunday. But the beginning of Jay’s transformation comes in the purchase and restoration of a classic convertible, which is a parallel to his life.
There is a scene in which Jay yells loudly at his wife in front of their son. It is a low budget production and at times, that is obvious.
Still, Flywheel is a powerful film that will prompt the family to talk about sin, its consequences and God’s grace.
Flywheel is not rated and is available at afastore.net.
Review by Hamilton Richardson
The Sandlot: Heading Home
A gang of loudmouth, ragtag, baseball-loving misfits take to the field again in The Sandlot: Heading Home – a threequel to The Sandlot (1993).
Starring Luke Perry as major league superstar Tommy “Santa” Santorelli, The Sandlot: Heading Home is a predictable tale of ego versus friendship. A baseball to the head knocks Santa unconscious, taking him back to his childhood where he has the opportunity to change his destiny by deciding if he wants to remain an ego-tripping, big shot athlete or become a good-hearted, selfless ball player. Only the little league championship tournament will tell as Santa wrestles with saving the sandlot or his future career.
The Sandlot: Heading Home is rated PG for language and some rude humor. There are over 50 instances of objectionable language that include mild profanity, name calling and crude references. There are sexual connotations alluding to the male anatomy and a gross bathroom scene in which a law officer verbally coaches someone through a bowel movement. The film also contains immodesty, disrespect to authority figures, a married couple kissing and the message that “good things happen to good people.”
The Sandlot: Heading Home could have been a fun family film, but the contents make it nothing more than a third out with bases loaded.
Review by Rebecca Grace
Francis of Assisi
One of the most revered saints of Catholic church history comes to life in the 1961 film Francis of Assisi.
Born in 1161 Italy, Francis di Bernardone left a life of wealth and influence to dedicate himself to the service of God. He founded the order known to most Roman Catholics as the Franciscans.
The dialogue of the 46-year-old film comes across a bit stilted, as the central religious characters all seem to talk throughout with perfect grace. Some Christians might be put off by the more mystical elements of Francis’ life, including visions, the hearing of voices and, at the end of his life, the appearance of the “stigmata” on his body. There is one profanity.
However, the movie remains a challenge to modern Christians to take seriously the New Testament call to forsake worldliness and care for the poor and downtrodden. Francis of Assisi is an inspiration to believers in every denomination to be light in the midst of a darkened world.
The film is not rated.
Review by Ed Vitagliano
