Rebecca Grace
AFA Journal staff writer
April 2009 – Me & You, Us, Forever
Me & You, Us, Forever is a Dave Christiano Film from Five & Two Pictures about the pain of divorce, questions of faith and the memory of a lost first love.
A Christian man named Dave finds himself on the painful end of an unwanted divorce so he reluctantly decides to attend a divorce recovery meeting where he becomes friends with Carla. Both have been thinking about their lost first loves. Dave can’t get past the thoughts of his high school sweetheart and his regret over breaking up with her. Now, after 30 years, he wants to see her.
Me & You, Us, Forever is unpredictable; even the ending leaves questions unanswered. But the film does a good job of empathizing with victims of divorce, which is one reason Christiano made the film. He wanted to offer help to those affected by divorce while paying tribute to his first lost love.
The film is based on a true story, asks real questions about the tragedy of divorce, and shows the value of friendship and accountability as part of the healing process. The movie also addresses difficult questions about God’s sovereignty.
Me & You, Us, Forever is thought provoking and contains overt Christian content. It is rated PG for thematic elements, and some may question what the film presents as a Biblical interpretation of divorce and remarriage.
The movie is now available on DVD.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams’ classic children’s novel comes to life in the new film adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit available on DVD March 17.
A combination of live-action drama and animation tell the story of young Toby whose heartless father sends the boy to live with his strict grandmother. While confined to his grandmother’s mansion, Toby discovers the “magic attic” where he befriends a rabbit and other forgotten toys that come to life in his imagination. Through this imaginary world, Toby learns the power of love and shares it with his grandmother and father, whose lives are changed forever.
The Velveteen Rabbit is a delightful story full of fun and wonder. The family-friendly film is rated G and contains no objectionable content.
However, Toby does deal with the loss of his mother and the rejection of his father. He also envisions his deceased mother and is able to speak and think things into existence in his imagination all because of his “amazingly, magical mind.” The constant message throughout the film is that “love makes us real.”
Another point of concern comes at the end when John 15:13 is altered to say: “Greater love hath no toy than he lay down his life for his child.”
The Velveteen Rabbit is an entertaining film, but it has the potential to leave children with misunderstandings unless they watch it with a caring adult.
Treasure Blind
Treasure Blind, from Cloud Ten Pictures, is the story of a broken relationship between a father and son and the healing that comes through forgiveness.
Cliff is a washed-up taxi driver who can’t make ends meet because he is so focused on his treasure hunting. Suddenly, Henry, the blind grandson Cliff didn’t know he had, is left at his front door. And only days later his long lost son, Jack, returns. Bitterness, hurt and resentment are soon followed by the consequences of Jack’s gambling problem. Henry’s life is at stake, and Cliff and Jack are helpless.
Treasure Blind is a story of redemption with elements of surprise. There is some mild violence, death and blood as well as a lot of lying and some disrespectful comments. The film is slow, the acting sometimes weak and too scripted. It all feels canned and homemade, although the message is a solid one.
Treasure Blind is not rated and is now available on DVD.
Wait Your Turn
Wait Your Turn is a romantic comedy about abstaining from sex until marriage.
Thad and Eve dated for a short time in college, until Thad abruptly ended their relationship all because of a little kiss. Confused and heartbroken, Eve moved on with her life, became a professor and continued searching for fulfillment through promiscuity until various influences prompted her to practice abstinence until marriage.
Unexpectedly, Thad walks back into her life and begins pursuing her again. But the past breakup still plagues their relationship, questions linger and miscommunication leads to more heartache.
Wait Your Turn is not rated but does contain mature subject matter that is handled appropriately. The film does not have an overt Gospel message or ultra family-friendly content since the purpose of it is to show that there are more than just religious reasons for choosing abstinence. The quality of the film, audio, acting and cinematography are weak, but the moral message is good. There is also a positive plug for the importance of accountability and mentoring. Some female immodesty, homosexual references and a scene with a wine tasting booth are included.
Wait Your Turn is set to release on DVD in March.
