AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
September 2014 – Great family film offers sponsorship opportunities
A Matter of Faith, a new film from Rich Christiano, is not only an opportunity to see a great family movie that promotes creationism; it also offers churches, businesses or individuals the opportunity to sponsor the film in their local theater.
Here’s the gripping story line: Rachel, a Christian, goes to college and is soon influenced by her popular biology professor (Harry Anderson – Night Court) who teaches evolution and denigrates creationism. When Rachel’s father senses something changing with his daughter's attitudes, he looks into the professor's classroom history and teaching.
Dad goes to see the prof, who challenges him to a campus debate on creationism. Rachel is embarrassed beyond measure and begs Dad not to do it. So Dad is now caught in a dilemma. Should he do the debate? What about his daughter’s wishes? His decision leads to a stunning and creative twist in the engaging storyline.
Rich Christiano and his brother, Dave, are among the dependable, solid pioneers of Christian films. In a film career spanning almost three decades, they have stayed true to the practice of clean language, modest dress, no alcohol and solid biblical principles – elements many writers and producers can’t seem to accomplish in their “Christian” or “family-friendly” films these days.
A Matter of Faith is a home run. And viewers will love seeing Clarence Gilyard (Walker: Texas Ranger) in this movie.
For sponsors, producers will share half the revenue with you after the print fee, so it’s a win-win for everyone. To find out how you can sponsor this film and see a preview, contact Rich Christiano at 949-215-9121 or e-mail [email protected], and someone will contact you.
Review by Randall Murphree
Where was God?
Where was God? In the aftermath of great human tragedy, contemplations are often reduced to this one question.
On May 20, 2013, children were taken to school, and business operated as usual – just a normal spring day in Moore, Oklahoma. But the afternoon was greeted with sirens, fear, panic and an EF5 tornado with peak winds of 210 mph. Twenty-four were left dead and 377 injured.
National news flashed images of flattened buildings and miles of scattered debris.
Where was God? gives an intimate look into the hearts and homes of the lives left shattered. The documentary follows several families and individuals who vividly recount stories of loss, intense grief, anguish and miraculous events that forever changed their lives.
The emotional intensity of these very personal stories along with skillful production makes this documentary a must-see.
The film does not contain adult language, sexual content or violence, although themes of death, mortality and grief are present. Where was God? has not been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. Parents are advised to use their judgment in determining whether it is appropriate for their children.
Information about Where was God?
Review by Anne Reed
The Perfect Summer
Seventeen-year-old Jake has no interest in taking part in the local scene when his mom moves them to live with his grandpa in a small seaside town after his father passed away. But when Kayla goes out of her way to befriend him, he becomes the object of jealous insults, threats and attacks from some of the local boys, and he is unwillingly caught up in the close knit community.
As Jake learns to relate to the surf-loving teenagers in The Perfect Summer, he also learns how to cope with the death of his father, his resentment toward God and his fear of loving people under the risk of losing them. In the process, and with help from wisdom modeled by his grandpa, he begins to grow from a confused and hurt teenage boy into a man.
Parental cautions are few, including only a scene where a boy slams an upright surfboard into Jake’s head knocking him to the ground, a brief kiss between Kayla and Jake, and occasional glimpses of immodest swimsuits.
Review by Stacy Long
The Perfect Wave CAUTION
In his early twenties, Ian McCormak set out on a journey with his best friend to surf his way through locations such as South Africa and Bali to find the “perfect wave.” During his journey he falls in love with a free-spirited girl and finds his way to the African Island of Mauritius where an encounter with a school of venomous jellyfish pushes him to a “crisis of belief” in Christ.
The Perfect Wave follows the true story of Ian McCormak, who grew up surfing the waters of New Zealand. The true testimony of Ian McCormak is stunning and inspiring but, unfortunately, not enough of a life-changing experience is portrayed during this film. The majority of the film is spent chronicling Ian’s self-indulgent lifestyle, which includes alcohol consumption, implied sexual encounters, Eastern meditation and immodestly dressed women. The last 15 minutes of the film are the most poignant as Ian is brought to Christ through his experience. The story is a good one; however, it misses the mark in the story-telling.
Review by Angie May
Camp CAUTION
Camp is a movie being promoted in Christian and family markets. AFA has not reviewed the film, but the review at the Dove Foundation website cites a number of language issues including God’s name in vain, eight H- and D-words plus a number of other crude words and phrases.
When the Game Stands Tall CAUTION
The longest winning streak of any American sports team (high school, college and professional) is 151 wins over a 12-year span. It belongs to De La Salle High School in Concord, California.
When the Game Stands Tall begins with the end of the streak and focuses on how a group of teenagers handle losing the legacy passed down to them. Players and coaches stand together as losses keep coming, culminating in the loss of a teammate. Throughout the film, faith, commitment, purity, integrity and character shine through. Each person is pushed to come out stronger and closer to God.
Parental cautions include Coach Bob Ladouceur shown smoking, but he quits after a heart attack. A player is senselessly gunned down but it is not a gory, bloody scene. God’s name and Jesus are each used in vain.
Review by Teddy James
How to Train Your Dragon 2 CAUTION
A mother called AFA because she wanted to take her two children, ages five and seven, to see the new film How to Train Your Dragon 2. A friend told her to be careful, as she had heard there were homosexual overtones in the film.
Since no one at AFA had seen the film, AFA Journal used Plugged In Online and MovieGuide to see what was in the movie.
In one scene of the animated film about Vikings and dragons, a married couple are fighting. A character named Gobber says, “This is why I never married. This and one other reason.”
Director Dean DeBlois has made it perfectly clear that this is Gobber’s “coming out” statement. He said, “I think that’s a really fun, daring move to put in. I love the idea that Gobber is Berk’s resident gay.”
Family-friendly ‘Coffee Shop’ debuts on UPtv
UPtv will debut Coffee Shop September 14. It’s a romantic comedy with a subtle but solid Christian worldview. Producer/director Dave Alan Johnson, referring to advance screenings, said, “We know women love the movie. Men also seem to really like it – more than I expected.”
Twenty-something Donavan Turner, the main character, faces some real dilemmas. Patrick, the love of her life, has left for the big city, and her coffee shop is failing. Two passions keep her going – her ministry to the Sudan village where she buys her coffee, and her music.
In the middle of Donavan’s woes, everyone else has a plan for her life. Her sister Becky plans to restore Donavan and Patrick’s relationship, while Becky’s boyfriend tries to fix Donavan up with his friend Ben. The bank schedules foreclosure. Patrick finds a buyer for her building, planning for her to marry him. And Ben has his own plans.
Johnson (Summer Snow, Christmas With Tucker, Doc, Sue Thomas F.B.Eye) has a long record of producing family-friendly entertainment. Executive producers include Jon and Andrew Erwin (October Baby, Mom’s Night Out).
Review by Randall Murphree
Biblical Principles and the Political Process
Many across this nation believe American culture is in decline and peril. They know individual rights come from God, and His design for government is to protect those rights. Unfortunately, it seems these rights are slowly being stripped away by an intruding government instead of being defended. Many are left feeling helpless and hopeless.
David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, fully understands this plight. WallBuilders is an organization dedicated to presenting America’s forgotten history, heroes and religious foundation. With his vast knowledge of American history and the Bible, Barton has produced an 81-minute DVD seminar, Biblical Principles and the Political Process. In the seminar he explains the Bible’s mandate for government, the beliefs of America’s Founding Fathers, the history of the erosion of our constitutional rights and the necessity for people of faith to become actively involved in politics and government.
Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.” According to Barton, if our nation does not have the right kind of people in office who agree with the Constitution and its values (based on biblical principles), the leaders will violate the law and the people will lose their rights. Political involvement is crucial.
Biblical Principles and the Political Process would be a great resource to use in a home Bible study or Sunday school class. For more information or to purchase go to shop.wallbuilders.com.
Review by Debbie Fischer
