AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
April 2010 – An Uncommon Way
To call George Washington Carver uncommon is an understatement. His imprint on the history of our nation – of the African-American people in particular – is one of phenomenal import. In this 47-minute documentary, Franklin Springs Family Media offers an intriguing look at the man whose life and work has touched that of every other citizen in the nation.
The film’s creators should be commended for offering a broad look at Carver’s accomplishments outside his creation of developing multiple products from the peanut. For example, few people know that he was an accomplished artist. Cinematic features capture photos from Carver’s life, a visit to his boyhood home in Missouri, Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and other relevant historical places.
Carver’s Christian faith is clearly identified as a guiding principle in all areas of his life. Narrator Voddie Baucham provides the thread that ties together the insights of noted scholars, historians and experts who have studied Carver’s life. Among them are Paxton Williams, interpretive director of the Carver Birthplace Association and author/historian John Perry, himself a Carver biographer. Still, no one appearing in the film outshines Frank D. Godden, who was a student with Carver at Tuskegee Institute.
by Randall Murphree
Book of Eli CAUTION
Judging by its trailers and Internet banners, The Book of Eli appeared to be one of the biggest Christian films of the year. In the new post-apocalyptic world of The Book of Eli, everything is different. Money is useless and knowledge is power. The source of all knowledge is sought and fought for throughout the movie. Of course, Scripture is that source. This gives the movie a lot of potential.
In some scenes it measures up. There is a beautiful moment when the Denzel Washington character shares one of the Psalms with his co-star. She is amazed at the beauty and hungers for more. The movie also gives a good lesson on why the memorization of Scripture is important.
However, there are elements that kill the potential, including 22 profanities and obscenities. The ending of the movie places Christianity on par with every world religion, as if there is no difference. The main character is the most violent of all the characters (although most of his violence is self defense). There are also scenes of men taking advantage of female travelers and insinuated cannibalism. While it is an interesting story with some great action sequences, it merits a strong caution for its less acceptable content.
by Teddy James
Icons of Evolution
From ColdWater Media (www.coldwatermedia.com) comes a special edition DVD documentary titled Icons of Evolution. Following the controversial teaching of Roger DeHart, former biology teacher at Burlington-Edison High School in Washington, Icons of Evolution offers a fresh perspective on the benefits of looking at evolution critically. The more critically one looks at the theory from a scientific standpoint, the weaker it becomes.
Therefore, DeHart and his colleagues believe it is beneficial to teach high school students the whole truth about Darwin’s theory of evolution. By doing so they are challenged to examine its validity while coming to the realization that most of his theory is based on outdated research and sloppy logic.
Despite the faulty research and logic, proponents of evolution argue that DeHart was teaching in this manner because of his own religious motivations.
Yet, Icons of Evolution goes to show that this new debate about teaching evolution in the classroom is based on science, not religion.
The 51-minute DVD is well done, not overly academic, and brings an old controversy to life by giving an example of how it affects real people in the real world.
It is available at www.go2rpi.com or by calling 800-266-7741.
by Rebecca Grace Davis
The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith
This faithful adaptation of the Bible’s story of Ruth and Naomi represents a tolerable attempt to bring the tale to life, but sharp-eyed critics who look for film quality will be disappointed.
The acting is decent enough, but the film’s other flaws are often quite glaring: blue-eyed Jews and Moabites fill the landscape; costuming right out of a church play; women in an ancient rural setting that are clearly wearing lipstick and eyeliner, with hands that have long, perfectly manicured nails; and a few scenes with inferior sound quality.
There are also a couple of scenes in which dialogue is anachronistic. For example, when a pagan woman suggests that Naomi pray for relief from her troubles to the gods in a nearby temple, Naomi says: “My God does not reside in a temple. He resides in my heart.”
While it’s true that the Book of Ruth can be dated to either the time of the judges or the time of the monarchy, either way the “God is in my heart” statement belongs to a New Testament time period. The Jews of Ruth’s time would certainly be surprised to know that the Lord God was not dwelling in the temple (or tabernacle).
Like so many other Christian films, The Book of Ruth has its heart in the right place, but its defects only serve to distract the viewer and take away from the experience.
by Ed Vitagliano
Letters to God CAUTION
From Possibility Pictures comes the emotionally charged film Letters to God, directed by David Nixon, a producer of Facing the Giants and Fireproof.
Letters to God is a faith-based family film inspired by the true story of a young boy named Tyler Doherty, who contracted cancer at the age of 9.
Despite not being able to climb trees or play soccer like he once did, Tyler has a steadfast faith and reliance on God. His love for God and others is seen in the way he lives his life in the face of adversity.
Tyler finds great comfort and delight in writing letters to God. The letters are actually prayers that end up impacting the lives of those around him, including a mailman whose life is spiraling totally out of control.
It’s a story of faith, hope and love that will likely bring viewers to tears of both heartache and joy.
Letters to God is rated PG for thematic material, including difficult issues and images related to sickness.
Other issues include one character’s alcohol problem (including several bar scenes), disrespect to authority figures, divorce, death and doubting God. However, most of these are resolved in the end. At times, the theology presented in the film may seem emotionally based.
There is some immodesty and ill-mannered language. Unfortunately, the phrase “Oh, Lord, have mercy!” is used one time in a light manner, and a man refers to his new job as “hell.”
It is set to release in theaters April 9.
by Rebecca Grace Davis
Veggie Tales Pistachio – The Little Boy Who Woodn’t
Join Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and the whole VeggieTales gang in their newest adventure that was scheduled to release March 2 on DVD.
Pistachio – The Little Boy Who Woodn’t is a parody of the classic story of Pinocchio. This time it’s told with a VeggieTales twist that includes a Biblical lesson about the importance of listening to parents.
Pistachio comes to life when a lonely toymaker named Gelato carves him out of a special log. Much to Gelato’s surprise, Pistachio can walk and talk and has a mind of his own. Pistachio is determined to do things his own way, and as a result he finds himself in a “whale” of a situation. It’s up to Pistachio to listen to the wisdom of his loving father if he wants to save his whole family from becoming fish food.
Like the traditional VeggieTales fare, Pistachio – The Little Boy Who Woodn’t is full of personality, color, humor and music. It features the new Silly Song titled “Where Have All the Staplers Gone?” It’s a fun-filled family adventure that will convince young viewers that the Father “nose” best.
by Rebecca Grace Davis
