AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
January 2014 – Hallmark offers family friendly action movie
Imagine a world in which fairy tales are based on real people and real events, mix in a little Indiana Jones style adventure, and you have The Hunters, Walden Family Theater’s action-packed movie that premiered on the Hallmark Channel last fall.
Carter and Jordyn Flynn (husband and wife) are members of The Hunters, an ancient society of warrior scientists who search for artifacts from familiar old fairy tales. There’s always an urgency to their searches because evil villains are also searching for the artifacts.
When the Flynns disappear, their sons Paxton (21) and Tripp (16) – along with Dylan, their parents’ assistant – set out on the adventure of a lifetime in search of their parents. Jungle chases, shadowy basements, secret chambers and a dark tomb infested with snakes are typical settings. Other notes for parents are the frequent violent scenes – martial arts and fist fights (men and women), and occasional gunfire. (Available at retailers)
Review by Randall Murphree
When kids ask questions about God
Dr. Alex McFarland, co-host of Exploring the Word (heard on AFR 3-4 p.m. CT) interviewed more than 100 children between the ages of 5 and 12. He listened to them share their biggest questions about God from “Why does God allow bad things?” to “Did baby Jesus wear a diaper?” The result is his new book, The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity and How to Answer Them Confidently.
McFarland strives not only to answer the surface question, but also to teach parents, youth workers and Sunday school teachers to look for the question behind the question. If a child is asking about heaven, consider if his grandparent, or even his pet, recently passed away. What he is really asking is, “What is grandmother experiencing, and will I ever see her again?” 21 Toughest Questions is a must read for anyone who spends time around children. (Available at local and online book sellers)
Review by Teddy James
Iesodo
All the Hoopoe (the state bird of Israel) birds are gathered together for the send-off of their chosen bird, Barry, sent to stop the Northerner who is speaking against tradition. As Barry is flying, he begins to meet flocks of birds also seeking out the Northerner, but for very different reasons. They are seeking the way to peace, love and hope for their lives. Some are even seeking healing.
Iesodo (pronounced Yay Sa Doe) is a new animated DVD series of high quality, with biblical truth, great music and appeal for kids from preschool to middle school. Each DVD centers around one word or one concept. “Believe,” the first DVD, includes two stories: “The Gathering” and “Believing is Seeing.”
“Iesodo” is the Japanese word meaning, “the way of Jesus.” Beautiful animation, simple and lyrical songs, lovable characters and solid biblical teaching make this a DVD that parents will love to add to their children’s libraries. (Available at retailers)
Review by Debbie Fischer
Season of a Lifetime/Tenacious
The documentary Season of a Lifetime is the moving story of Coach Jeremy Williams and Greenville (Georgia) High School’s 2010 football season. Unfortunately, it is marred by a few profanities including the use of Jesus and God’s name in vain.
Williams was fighting adversity (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) even as he took his hopeless team to the state playoffs. Coach Williams is a Christian, and his written autobiography, titled Tenacious, is a moving account of his life without the offensive language.
Review by Randall Murphree
I’m in Love with a Church Girl
I’m in Love with a Church Girl tells the story of Miles Montego, a former drug trafficker turned concert promoter. Even though Montego has left the drug game, he still hangs out with his old crew at bars and nightclubs on a regular basis. He is busy living the high life until he meets Vanessa Leon, a strong Christian.
This story of faith and forgiveness is based on the real-life story of Galley Molina, a former drug trafficker who was brought to Christ through his Christian girlfriend.
This film was made to be seen by at-risk teens who believe they have out-sinned God’s grace. There are several mentions of drugs, scenes of alcohol use, some immodest dress in nightclub scenes and one instance of violence.
Review by Teddy James
Liberty’s Kids: Est. 1776
History comes to life in the 40-episode DVD series which aired on PBS in 2002-2003. The series follows the time-travel adventures of three teenagers and one young orphan as they witness historic events of America’s founding from the Boston Tea Party to the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. They also encounter many of the key figures of the Revolution.
The stories move at a fast pace with an appropriate amount of both drama and humor. The episodes also relate the cultural, scientific and political issues of the day. Voice-overs are done by Walter Cronkite, Annette Bening, Michael Douglas, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Sylvester Stallone, Ben Stiller and others.
Liberty’s Kids was created for ages 7 and up. The series is an excellent teaching tool for enhancing a history curriculum.
Additional resources can be found at the Liberty’s Kids website and can be purchased online.
Review by Debbie Fischer
