AFA Staff

AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources

July-August 2013 – In Rebel Pilgrim Productions’ upcoming romantic comedy A Strange Brand of Happy, main character David Weathersby finds his life taking a strange turn after losing his job. Thanks to the mischievous help of his friend and roommate Ben, David begins seeing a life coach, an Australian woman named Joyce Heller. As David struggles to find meaning in his life, he develops a romantic interest in Joyce and gets roped into a competition for her affection with his former boss.

Viewers should be warned that the film includes a couple of drunken scenes and a fair amount of inappropriate dialogue with sexual innuendo. Sandwiched between moments of drama and comedy are reminders of the joy to be found in God and the joy God finds in us. This God is presented vaguely, though, and viewers will not find any direct mentions of Christ or the gospel. However, this was probably intentional, as the somewhat open-ended conclusion invites viewers to dialogue immediately following the film, and it creates a great opportunity to engage a non-Christian friend about deeper issues presented in the story.

A Strange Brand of Happy is rated PG-13 and scheduled for release on September 13. For more information: strangehappymovie.com
Review by Nicholas Dean

The Confession
The new Hallmark Channel original movie, The Confession (not rated), was released June 11. It is the sequel to a 2011 film, The Shunning. These are the first two stories in the “Heritage of Lancaster County” book series by best-selling Christian novelist Beverly Lewis.

In The Confession, the tale of Katie Lapp continues as she leaves her adopted Amish family and the strict rules of the community in order to find her birth mother in New York state. Before she can be reunited, Katie must confront forces seeking to rob her of her birthright.

The Confession is a family friendly movie with subtle faith elements of trust and prayer. It can certainly be a stand-alone film but would be more easily followed after viewing The Shunning.

While the conclusion of The Confession resolves the conflict Katie is facing, it also sets the stage for a third movie which follows the last book in Beverly Lewis’ trilogy, The Reckoning.
Review by Debbie Fischer

Break Away
In April, Word Films released Break Away, a film produced by and starring Frans Cronje and filled with biblical values. 

Break Away is the story of Francois, a strong Christian in his late 30s, a hard worker, a faithful husband and father and a successful businessman, until he loses his job.

Francois and his family live in Cape Town, South Africa, where unemployment is high and jobs are scarce. He spends over a year looking for work in his field. One morning, as he is on his way to yet another job interview, Francois’ car will not start so he has to resort to riding his old, beat up mountain bike. This is when he gets the idea of starting a courier service on his bicycle so he can pay his bills and feed his family. 

Francois’ reputation as a reliable and friendly man spreads and his business starts to expand. He sets out to prove to himself and to the world, “With God anything is possible.” Break Away is based on true events of the recession in South Africa that left many without a job and without hope. 

The story tells how perseverance and faith in God can turn desperation into hope. The gospel account of Christ multiplying the loaves and fish is alluded to more than once. The music is uplifting and meaningful with lyrics often matching the scene in which they are played.

Parents may want to note these cautions in Break Away. There is one instance of cleavage and one of smoking. In another scene, Francois is riding his bike when a group of bicycle racers crowd him to the side of the road, and the last racer appears to give Francois a quick obscene hand gesture; and finally, Francois and his brother both wear shirts with “Abercrombie” across the front. Abercrombie and Fitch retailers have been often cited for objectionable advertising, products and policies.

For more information about Break Away and to view the movie trailer: wordfilms.com.
Review by Debbie Fischer

Mother India
Mother India – Life Through the Eyes of the Orphan documents the lives of 25 orphans living near a railway in Tenali, India, and invites viewers to respond through sponsorship.

Although India is among the fastest growing economies, its population of street children is over 31 million. Mother India reports these children are often addicted to chewing tobacco, “huffing” whitener and injecting unknown drugs. Over 50% are HIV positive.

The film follows David Trotter and Shawn Scheinoha as they win the trust of a ‘family’ of street children who survive through begging. Drawn to the plight of these children, David and Shawn contact Suresh Kumar of Harvest India for the help that no one else will consider giving.

Learn more about Mother India at motherindiafilm.com.
Review by Debbie Fischer

Imaginative children’s books from Patricia McKissack
Never Forgotten is set in Africa toward the end of the slave trade. A lone father, Dinga, raises his son with the help of the Mother Elements of nature. But when his son Musafa is taken by slavers, Dinga mourns.  

Thought it is a bittersweet tale of a father losing his son, ultimately it has a comforting ending. Written in the style of African folktales, accompanied by engaging illustrations, this book will help teach young readers the ones we lose are never forgotten.  It is not a story of the gospel, but it is a great bridge for parents to explore family issues with their children.

A Million Fish … More or Less is a light-hearted story intended to be just that – a fun story. It offers a clever glimpse into the imaginative power of tall tales. Young readers will be captured by Hugh Thomas’ attempt to get his “million” fish home while running into all manner of nefarious talking animals that seem to want his fish just as badly as he does. With charming illustrations and prose reminiscent of the old South, this book is a treat. 

McKissack’s books are available online or in bookstores.
Review by Nicholas Dean