AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
Photo above – David Desanctis plays "Produce" – so nicknamed for his job in the produce department at a grocery store – in Where Hope Grows
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May 2015 – Movie delivers hope, challenge, encouragement
The message is good, though the context and details of the story in Where Hope Grows merit caution for Christian families. A deep redeeming value develops through an unlikely friendship between Calvin – single dad, ex pro baseball player, alcoholic – and “Produce,” a young Down syndrome man who works at the local grocery store. Their relationship is one of the two gripping threads of the story as Produce leads Cal to consider Christian faith.
The story opens in a bar with friends celebrating Cal’s birthday, and the other emotional thread emerges. After the party, Cal drives home drunk, where he has to apologize to Katy, his 17-year-old daughter, for standing her up for their planned birthday dinner. At 11:15, Katy leaves with her boyfriend, Colt. Tensions between father and daughter increase until late in the film, and there’s a lot of alcohol consumption and occasional talk and innuendo about illicit sex. There’s one mild profanity, and one scene of Katy and Colt kissing in her bedroom before Dad comes home, and Colt escapes out the window.
One main character dies in an accident and another is near death. Also, Cal and Produce deceive a police officer when Cal is stopped for driving under the influence – and the issue of lying is not addressed.
Still, overall, intricate plot and production elements combine to create a strong context for uplifting the values of prayer, consideration for others, staying sober, staying faithful in marriage, and finding faith in Christ. The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, and parents should be cautious as they consider it for family viewing. It is scheduled to release May 15. Review by Randall Murphree
Patterns of Evidence: Exodus
Filmmaker Tim Mahoney’s faith is tested when he encounters expert claims that the biblical Exodus never occurred. Realizing the importance of the Exodus to the foundations of Christianity, Mahoney documents his diligent search for the truth in Patterns of Evidence: Exodus.
His investigation leads him across the globe, from the lecture halls of scholars to archeological dig sites in the Middle East. But evidence supporting the biblical narrative doesn’t line up with the established timeline, and skeptics still dismiss the Bible’s authority. As Mahoney presents both sides of the argument, viewers must take part in analyzing the evidence.
The film quality is good, although careful examination of details sets a slow pace. The film is worthwhile to watch as a family or as an educational or Bible study resource. Christian convictions will be strengthened, while those struggling with doubt or disbelief may end up considering possibilities from a fresh perspective.
The DVD was scheduled to release in April.
Review by Stacy Long
Orphan Song
Orphan Song integrates inspirational music with a meaningful purpose. The CD is created by Storysong, a ministry that raises funds for orphan care through the sale of products. In the case of this CD, 100% of proceeds go toward paying educational costs for children in Africa. Music on the CD travels through a wide variety of genres, from contemporary Christian, hip-hop, and electronic remixes to more traditional, hymn-like songs. The featured music artists include some well-known names in the Christian music industry, including Jars of Clay, Newsboys, and Mark Schultz. Learn more at www.storysong.org.
Review by Stacy Long
Eight Days
Slavery ended in America after the Civil War right? That is one of the many myths dispelled in the film Eight Days.
After leaving her parent’s house for a party, Amber Stevens goes missing and is trafficked into the sex trade. For the next eight days she is drugged, beaten, raped, and treated as though all that is happening to her is her own fault.
Eight Days is a brutal and realistic look at the evil of human sex trafficking. The movie has several elements to its credit. Inspired by true events, the story makes characters feel real, and their struggles ring true. After Amber is abducted and endures her first rape, the viewer is heartbroken. That heartbreak continues when Amber’s mother asks the police for help, only to be told Amber probably ran away and will return in a few days.
After eight days of living through torture, Amber is physically rescued, but what can rescue her from the mental and emotional prison she finds herself in after the assault? Eight Days shows that there is still much work to do, even after rescuing victims of trafficking.
Because the film deals with tough issues in an honest way, it deserves several cautions. Several scenes lead up to sexual assault, although the acts are never depicted. Amber’s kidnappers force her to drink alcohol and take drugs. A pornographic film plays on a TV, but the viewer is aware of it only by the dialogue in the background; there are no gratuitous scenes. There is language throughout that will be disturbing to many viewers. Strong cautions are urged, but the subject is a challenge to cover without the context this film creates.
Review by Teddy James
Stuck in Neutral
Stuck in Neutral – it’s an apt metaphor for any Christian who sometimes feels bogged down in the mud of a hum-drum life or trapped in a rut of boring routine. Going nowhere. Who wants to be there? Nobody.
Cortney Westbrook tackles the dilemma head-on in his new book Stuck in Neutral: How to Achieve Success by Living Life in Drive. Westbrook and his wife Christian are radio hosts on Urban Family Communications in the AFA family of Christian radio networks. He is an energetic and creative entrepreneur whose own experience lends credibility to the ideas he offers.
“At the end of the day when you lay your head down on your pillow, you are the only one who’s responsible for the outcome of your life,” Westbrook says. “Strive to make adjustments, not excuses.”
In order to “live life in drive,” he warns that dedication, persistence, sacrifice, and courage may be required. Stuck in Neutral can help you identify your gifts, discover your purpose and maximize your greatest asset – you. Along the way, Westbrook is careful to see that the principles he espouses are rooted in biblical truths. Stuck in Neutral is available at afastore.net or 877-927-4917.
Review by Randall Murphree
