AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
June 2009 – Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts
From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment comes the latest installment in the Dr. Dolittle family movie franchise that features Maya Dolittle, the “animal whisperer.”
Maya has always wanted to help animals and the fact that she can talk with them only aids her cause. In Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts, she is just weeks away from starting college where she will study to become a veterinarian when her natural charm and rare animal gift land her a role in her own reality TV series. College is suddenly put on the back burner for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood until Maya realizes what’s really important in life.
The talking animals are very appealing, but the movie is far from family-friendly. It is filled with homosexual and bisexual innuendoes and elements, including a “coming-out” party. There are multiple uses of God’s name in vain as well as immodesty, potty humor, sexual innuendoes, alcohol, deceit, manipulation and ill-mannered words. The lyrics to the movie’s soundtrack are inappropriate, and there are two scripted comments suggesting evolution.
The film is rated G and releases on DVD May 19.
Review By Rebecca Grace
Love Takes Wing
Love Takes Wing, the seventh installment in the Love Comes Softly film series, is now available on DVD, and it’s just as good as the previous six movies.
After finishing medical school, Dr. Belinda Simpson takes up residence as the new doctor in a small Missouri town. Her work – and hardships – begin the minute she steps foot in the town where there is a fatal sickness infecting the local orphans and townspeople. It’s not the common influenza, so Belinda is challenged with identifying the sickness and finding a cure while trying to come to terms with a major loss in her own life.
Aided by her best friend from medical school, a new suitor, and an independent orphan much like herself, Belinda’s faith is eventually renewed as she does all she can to help the sick before realizing her need for God.
Love Takes Wing is another story of heartwarming struggle as the characters wrestle with life’s daily blessings and trials. There are some overt Christian elements in it as well as some surface discussions about tough theological issues like doubting the existence of God, understanding His will and hearing God speak.
The film is not rated but does contain one profanity, several kisses between an adult couple and scenes of deceased and sick people. God’s name is used several times in a manner that can be interpreted as a plea.
Review By Rebecca Grace
Matchmaker Mary
Matchmaker Mary is a sweet story about an optimistic tween girl, three cute puppies, four lonely singles and a troubled married couple who are all seeking love and happiness.
When Mary makes an A on her final exam, she is elated to get the puppy her father promised her as a reward. Wanting some of her adult friends as well as her own parents to experience the same kind of happiness she has with her puppy, she sets out on a matchmaking adventure.
It’s a nice story with a happy ending that highlights the importance of staying married. However, the story is slightly shallow in content, predictable and unrealistic at times.
Matchmaker Mary is not rated, but it does contain immodesty, lying and deceit, disrespect to elders, kissing and some adult-level comments.
Mary, who displays the same type of personality, says she wants the female dog that’s independent – a possible feminist innuendo. It is also implied that dating couples sleep together.
While there is nothing overtly objectionable, the questionable subtleties are worth concern.
Review By Rebecca Grace
Angel Wars
This animated series for kids by Fox Faith has excellent CGI animation but a troubling theology that might concern Christian parents.
The series is based on the ongoing battle between good and evil angels, with the conflicts often set in space like a Christian version of Star Wars.
There are ships, laser blasts and space stations. The action sequences are impressive and the character development and dialogue better than most entertainment for kids.
The main heroes are “young” angels who are taking classes and fulfilling assignments by which they hope to earn their wings in order to become full-fledged “Guardians,” who are charged with protecting humanity from the fallen angel Morg and his dastardly minions.
The problem is that the angels really do act like teenagers – sometimes being moody, foolish, irresponsible and proud. In the end, of course, they learn their lessons and grow spiritually, but many Christian parents might be uncomfortable with this unbiblical approach to angels.
But more importantly is the absence of Jesus Christ. In the half dozen episodes reviewed by AFA Journal, Christ is never mentioned, although there are references to the “Maker” and the “Maker-King.”
Without trying to sound persnickety, the Bible is clear that Christ is ruling in the heavenlies over all demonic powers. For Him to be left out of the redemptive mission is inexcusable. (It is possible, of course, that later episodes might correct this oversight.)
Review by Ed Vitagliano
