AFA Staff

AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources

November-December 2009 – Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving
In VeggieTales’ third try at a Christmas story, they hit a home run. The story centers around one of the many legends of the original Santa Claus. In the beginning of the video, all the children, and Larry, are focused on what they are getting or what they will buy with the Christmas money they have been given.

When the story gets to Nick the Pepper, he is a selfish, arrogant child. His father gives freely to the needy and works to build a strong relationship with his son. After a family tragedy, Nick runs away. He spends his time searching for what will make him happy. On his journey he comes across a woman giving food to the poor. She tells him, “I don't give to make me happy. I give because I’m happy, my love is a gift to them because God’s love is a gift to me.” This impacts him so deeply he carries the concept home with him.

This is one of the strongest videos VeggieTales has produced. It promotes strong family relationships, and even gives parents an example of patience when children are exasperating. Some previous VeggieTales seemed to skirt around Scripture and Jesus, but this story has Scripture flowing naturally all through it. The true meaning of Christmas is explained in true VeggieTales fashion.
Review by Teddy James

The Perfect Gift
A new film from Kelly’s Filmworks boldly tackles the Christmas versus culture controversy but offers an inadequate explanation of the Incarnation.

Therefore, AFA suggests that parents watch it first and be ready to explain the Incarnation more fully to their children if they choose for the family to watch The Perfect Gift, set to release November 3 on DVD and November 6 in select theaters.

When it comes to exposing the culture’s assault on Christmas, The Perfect Gift does a fine job of bringing reality to light in hopes of spurring viewers to take a stand for the real meaning of Christmas. It also challenges viewers to consider how the church today has been influenced by the culture, instead of vice versa.

Plus, it’s just good clean family entertainment about a spoiled schoolgirl called Max, her overworked executive mom named Stacy and Tony, a disillusioned young minister, whose lives are all changed by a mysterious drifter known simply as Jes. Their beliefs are put to the test in various ways but especially when the National Civil Freedom Coalition forces a local church to take down the Nativity scene because it violates a city ordinance.

The story line of The Perfect Gift really parallels the work of AFA, and we commend it for that, but we can’t go without warning viewers that this movie has several potential theological flaws. The Perfect Gift is not rated. For more information, visit www.perfectgiftmovie.com.
Review by Rebecca Grace Davis

Clancy
“Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional.” That’s the tagline for Clancy, Kelly’s Filmworks' new emotional drama that released October 20 on DVD.

Clancy is evangelistic in content although lacking in a complete presentation of the gospel. AFA cautions viewers to expect a message that is more sentimental than substantial as they bond with Clancy Miller, a young girl with an inspiring faith, a big heart and an unexplained love for her addict mother who abuses her.

In an effort to become less of a burden on her mother who needs to go away for rehab, Clancy runs away from home and meets Nick, a hurting homeless veteran living on the streets. An unlikely friendship emerges and their lives are changed forever, especially when a corrupt mayor’s plan to capitalize on Clancy’s disappearance turns tragic.

Although a bit slow at first with choppy transitions, awkward silences and weak acting throughout, Clancy is a compelling movie that will touch the hearts of viewers. It is a sweet and inspiring picture of how a child’s faith can be used to impact a man’s heart hardened by years of sin and heartache.

Clancy is unrated and does contain mature themes, alcohol, smoking and name-calling as well as bloody violence including images of abuse and war-related death.
Review by Rebecca Grace Davis