AFA Staff

AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources

September 2013 – When long-time cop James Buanacore finds himself forced into retirement and facing a family crisis, his faith is understandably shaken, and he spirals into depression. James’s brother Paul, a famous actor, helps him get back in touch with reality by setting him up with a job as a baseball coach and criminal justice teacher at a nearby Christian high school. 

At first, he has trouble gaining respect from students, and there is not much stock put into the baseball program as most of the budget goes to football, but this slowly changes throughout the film. After a drug controversy involving students and faculty, students in Buanacore’s criminal justice class begin to question everything they’ve been told. 

This eventually leads them to challenge him to do an investigation to see if Jesus is really the Son of God. Buanacore reluctantly agrees and delves deep into research that even he finds compelling. 

Cautions include one instance of cursing (“what the he--”) and a shooting. Despite a few scenes with some rather forced acting, this film offers a candid and encouraging look at wrestling with faith and doubt through hard times. 

The Investigator is based on the real life experiences of Richard Romano, brother of actor Ray Romano. The film is rated PG-13 and will be released in September. For more information, visit www.theinvestigatormovie.com. 
Review by Nicholas Dean

Family-friendly movie debuts on Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel will debut The Watsons Go to Birmingham September 20 on its Friday night Walden Family Theater. The family-friendly movie is based on Christopher Paul Curtis’s 1995 novel of the same title.

The story follows the Flint, Michigan, Watson family, on their road trip to visit grandma in Birmingham during the height of the city’s racial unrest. The Watson children include 15-year-old delinquent Byron, 11-year-old Kenny and 8-year-old Joetta.

The script puts them at the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. Four young girls died in that bombing.

Despite the somber subject of racism, the tone of the film is balanced by light-hearted moments in the Watson family. The summer experience helps them all to find courage to stand up for what is right and helps them grow stronger as a family. There are no language issues, and though producers use television news clips of the historical violence, they are careful to maintain the movie’s integrity as a family-friendly story.
Review by Randall Murphree

The Ultimate Life
Many viewers first met Red Stevens (played by James Garner) in 2007 in the successful theatrical release of The Ultimate Gift. In that film, Red left the bulk of his multi-million dollar estate to Jason, the one grandson among his descendants whom he trusted to run the Stevens Foundation.

A kind of prequel/sequel, The Ultimate Life takes up the story three years later as Jason faces litigation from family members still trying to get a piece of grandpa’s fortune. Jason is almost overwhelmed until Red’s lawyer and confidant passes Red’s journal along to Jason. Granddad Red’s journal provides the movie a segue to flash back to Red’s story two generations earlier (hence the prequel angle), revealing the challenges and obstacles he had conquered to accumulate his wealth. The bulk of the film is in this flashback.

The redeeming element of the film is that both Red and Jason reflect the values of a solid work ethic, integrity and the value of family, though their lessons are not easily learned. A few dinner table scenes depict wine served with the meal.
Review by Randall Murphree

Master Designer
The first DVD in this documentary series is a captivating look at animals whose existence, design and behavior demonstrate beauty, order and purpose in God’s creation. The 75-minute DVD, produced by Reel Productions, contains compelling footage of the natural world, including segments about honey bees, wolves, bison, camels and even crickets.

The film makes the point that the design of these creatures is often helpful to human beings. Master Designer ties that design to historical circumstances, including the American Revolutionary War, Native American buffalo hunts and the Mexican-American War. 

The theory of evolution is clearly the target of this documentary, and while it focuses on intelligent design and specifically the book of Genesis, the God of Scripture is cited as the author of this design. “What lies behind the universe is no abstract,” Master Designer insists. “It is God – the Creator and master designer Himself.” Jesus Christ is also portrayed as the Savior of mankind in a beautiful segment at the end.
Review by Ed Vitagliano

The Next Christians 
In his thought provoking look at Christian engagement with culture, author Gabe Lyons offers much to consider. He begins by laying out general categories of Christians and acknowledging that each has strengths and weaknesses – weaknesses that may step on the toes of some readers. Lyons then focuses on Christians that he calls restorers. Lyons writes, “Restorers exhibit the mind-set, humility and commitment that seem destined to rejuvenate the momentum of the faith.” 

Readers may feel that Lyons belabors the point that “Followers of Christ in a pluralistic society must be willing and able to engage those they disagree with in constructive conversation.” However, this book should be read in its entirety. The stories presented throughout offer practical insights that affirm the main point. The Next Christians is available online and in bookstores. For more information, visit nextchristians.com.
Review by Nicholas Dean

Eternity
Randy Alcorn’s Eternity, a graphic novelization of Luke 16:19-31, offers an imaginative look at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The dynamic lives of both figures, and how they intersect, are presented with some creative liberties. Scripturally literate readers will notice allusions to other biblical stories and figures. Lazarus is portrayed as a humble beggar who awaits the Messiah and teaches a young Titus. The rich man is portrayed as the selfish, arrogant and religious hypocrite readers would expect. 

Christ is interwoven in the story and the gospel is clear. Young readers will be engaged by the dialogue and illustrations that bring to life this important parable from Luke. Eternity is available at Kingstonecomics.com and Amazon.com. 
Review by Nicholas Dean