AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
June 2012 – Flicka 3 CAUTION
The popular legendary horse named Flicka from My Friend Flicka, a 1941 novel by Mary O’Hara, has enjoyed new life on the screen in recent years with a trio of movies from Fox Home Entertainment. The story lines and themes move in good directions – reconciliation between feuding friends, the impact of a father’s death on a young girl, and the value of commitment and hard work to meet a goal.
Flicka 3, a new release, serves the story well, but of some concern for families will be one use of God’s name in vain and the frequent immodest dress of the teenage girls who star in the film – low-cut tops and high-cut skirts.
The movie stars country music star Clint Black and his wife Lisa Hartman Black.
Review by Randall Murphree
Forever Strong CAUTION
Produced by Bridgestone Multimedia Group, Forever Strong is an action-packed film about a rugby player who faces a crisis of loyalty, courage and conviction. It is based on actual events.
The movie opens with Rick and his rugby team, coached by Rick’s father, playing the Highland Rugby team coached by Larry Gelwix. On-the-field action is intense, and the strong rivalry is obvious.
When the game is over, Rick and his friends attend a pool party where there is much drinking. After consuming too much alcohol, Rick and his girlfriend take a ride in his convertible. They crash into a fence, his girlfriend is taken to the hospital and Rick ends up in juvenile detention. Arrogance, pride and a huge chip on his shoulder prevent Rick from making any progress until a counselor assigns him to play on the Highland Rugby team.
Coach Gelwix is more interested in producing champion boys than champion teams. Still, Rick resists every effort to help him until one player begins to show unconditional acceptance, even in the face of rejection and anger from Rick.
This is a story of forgiveness, unconditional love, loyalty and redemption. Strong elements of faith in God are displayed, but there are also troubling New Age references to the power of spirits and their ability to affect the outcome of life and the game. The Highland Rugby team also chants a Hawaiian chant before each game.
There are depictions of teen drinking, allusions to teen sex, drinking while driving, and scenes with teens in bikinis.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Decision CAUTION
The story of Decision is solid, but production elements are weak. Acting is mediocre at best, so even with a strong theme, it’s hard to be captivated by this film.
The story is that of a fractured family – Eileen, a recently widowed mother (played by music artist Natalie Grant) and her rebellious 16-year-old son, Jackson, who has skipped school 30 days in the last two months. Eileen has been estranged from her father for years. But now she desperately needs Dad’s help, so she calls him. She then announces to Jackson that he’s going to live with his grandpa for a couple of months.
The theme of salvation through Christ is clearly presented as the grandfather leads Jackson to faith, and reconciliation comes to all of the strained relationships.
Minor gaffes include a scene in which a pastor “reads” Mark 15:34, but cites it as Mark 15:35. He reads, “My, God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (KJV). But when he hands the Bible to Eileen, it’s a New International Version. A brief scene with unnecessary cleavage would be of concern to many family viewers.
Review by Randall Murphree
What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?
This book of 30 devotionals is inspired by the Grammy-nominated song “Blessings” by Laura Story. The song asks the powerful and thought-provoking questions: “What if Your blessings come through raindrops?” and “What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?”
Story begins her devotional briefly describing the time in her life when her husband suffered from a brain tumor. They had to wrestle with the issue of where were God’s blessings in the midst of unanswered prayer and unrelenting suffering? Searching through the Word they came to realize that God often uses suffering to draw us closer to Himself and grow us into a deeper dependence upon Him.
Each daily entry features inspiring stories and thoughts, quotes from godly men and women, and Scripture verses. The last page of each daily reading is a page for personal journaling.
At the end of the book, Story has compiled Scripture verses for many of life’s issues: fear, worry, prayer, worship, difficult days, anger, hope and others.
Review by Debbie Fischer
One father to another
Branson music veteran Mark McCauley says his CD titled From One Father to Another is the product of his changing outlook on life after the birth of his son. “I began to understand God’s love much better when my son was born,” he told AFA Journal.
His rich, deep voice has twice earned him Best Bass Singer title in the world’s live music capitol, and his 10-year role in New South quartet performing at Grand Country Square has helped the group capture Best Variety Show tag several times.
But these days, McCauley would rather talk about the ministry side of his life, including the group Mark McCauley and the Downing Street Boys, formed specifically to spread the gospel with occasional free concerts.
The title cut on this CD is a moving recitation of this father’s prayer to his heavenly Father. His vocals have a vintage Branson country flavor.
He and his wife also operate Kite House Bed and Breakfast. To learn more or order From One Father to Another call toll free 866-548-3212.
Family: What’s a daddy for?
Long-time AFA friend Eric Horner recently released his Family CD project featuring a lot of songs with both moms and dads in mind. Since the Nashville artist already has a couple of grandchildren, he reveals more and more passion about the critical role of a father in his family’s life.
In “That’s What a Daddy’s For,” he recalls common things like building tree houses, helping with homework, taking kids to church and attending their games and events. It’s a subtle way to remind dads that “little” things are big in the eyes of their children.
Learn more about Horner, his music, his church-based concerts and his phenomenal ministry to U.S. military forces at www.erichorner.com or call toll free 877-968-3742.
Reviews by Randall Murphree
