AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
May 2013 – A humble high school baseball superstar and a high-rolling, arrogant agent create the conflict that drives Ring the Bell, a new film from writer/producer Mark Miller. In the engaging story, agent Rob Decker thinks he can do anything, sign any athlete to a pro contract. So he comes to Small-Town, U.S.A., to recruit Shawn Hart despite the fact that the boy has already committed to play college ball.
In addition to that brick wall, Decker runs into another unexpected obstacle to his free-wheeling lifestyle – the gospel. Shawn lives at a boys’ ranch where ringing the bell always signals a major event in someone’s life. The brother and sister team who run the ranch are solid Christians who speak openly about their faith and teach the boys about Christ. Fortunately, their lives display the depth, peace and joy that finally have real impact on Decker.
The film is reminiscent of evangelical films that have come out of Billy Graham ministries, both in the high quality of production and in the clarity with which the gospel is woven into a great story. Christian music artists Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West are featured.
The DVD was scheduled for April 9 release. Learn more at ringthebellthemovie.com.
Review by Randall Murphree
Revelation Road CAUTION
Josh McManus has a troubled past. He thought he had left it all behind when he married Rachel, but when he finds himself witnessing a holdup, his past comes back to haunt him. In self defense and to protect the store owner, McManus kills two robbers and injures another, all members of a biker gang called the Barbarians.
When the Barbarians learn McManus interrupted the robbery, they plan revenge. McManus is stuck in a small town to help police find the rest of the gang.
While Revelation Road, from Pure Flix Entertainment, has an interesting premise and the gospel is clearly presented, there are elements that viewers should note. First, there is graphic violence throughout the film from gunfights to fist fights. Second, character development is weak, so the story plods. As a result, viewers are not likely to become emotionally invested.
Review by Teddy James
This is Our Time
In , from PureFlix Entertainment, five friends graduate from college, each confident that this is the time for their dreams and purpose to be fulfilled. But it doesn’t take long before that belief is tested. As Ryder and Catherine discover that their dream jobs are not as rosy as they had expected, Ethan struggles with his failure to be accepted into graduate school. Luke and Alé marry and travel to India to work as missionaries in a leper colony, where they are confident and happy in their calling – until tragedy strikes. Suddenly, the friends are forced to renew their perspective on God’s purpose for their lives and realize that He is in control; in truth, it is His time, not theirs.
While acting and narrative are slow at times, This is Our Time communicates a worthwhile message on re-evaluating one’s calling and influence in light of God’s plan. The film also highlights the real ministry Embrace a Village that the Indian leper colony in the film is based on. A brief documentary at the end of the film describes that ministry in more detail.
Review by Stacy Long
Abel’s Field CAUTION
Football is the context for this gripping story of 17-year-old Seth who has given up football to care for his young twin sisters because Dad disappeared long ago and Mom has passed away. Some days, Seth doesn’t know where money for the next meal will come from, and he really meets challenges when he faces eviction from his home. Meanwhile, he suffers both verbal disrespect and physical assault from the grid iron stars, former teammates and still classmates, who look down on him.
While the story line is good, and the viewer is bound to root for Seth, two elements make the story seem a very unlikely situation. First, it is not likely that Seth could realistically go to school full time and work two or three jobs at the same time. Second, it is unthinkable that government would not intervene to put his sisters (about 8 years old) in foster care.
Forgiveness, integrity and bullying are well-handled themes in Abel’s Field. Family-related cautions include a couple of fist fights, a couple of bar room scenes and some immodest dress.
Review by Randall Murphree
David Platt: die to live
Seventy-eight percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian. But what does that really mean? Is there a difference in believing in Jesus versus following Him? Can there be “unconverted believers”? David Platt’s new book is a perfect follow up to his 2010 best seller, Radical: Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream.
Many may have walked away from that book longing to do more than just read about radical faith – but actually live it from the heart. Perhaps many were left asking, “Why do I care more about my own personal comforts than the well-being of others?’
In his new book, Follow Me: A Call to Die, A Call to Live, Platt addresses commonly used clichés that are often presented as guarantees – “Invite Jesus into your heart,” and “Make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior.” He points out that a supernatural regeneration, versus superficial religion, results in men and women who are continually transformed, not simply being disciples but sacrificially making disciples. Fishing for men becomes central – and costly.
Follow Me is a thought-provoking invitation to search our hearts, to repent, to believe and truly follow.
Review by Ann Reed
