AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
Above, Don’s family welcomes him home from his 13-month hospital stay in a scene from 90 Minutes In Heaven. Photo: Quantrell Colbert
October 2015 – Pastor Don Piper died in an auto crash and came back to life 90 minutes later. He eventually revealed to a friend and his wife that he had visited heaven. As time passed, he shared the experience publicly, and later wrote a book about it.
Piper’s popular book 90 Minutes in Heaven is a gripping and dramatic presentation of his story. The film adaptation is intense with several close-ups of his bloody face and many tense and lengthy hospital room scenes. Two brief scenes depict Piper’s description of heaven, but overall, the story focuses on his long and grueling return to health and his family’s fears and frustrations while he spent 13 months in the hospital and had 34 surgeries.
It is a strong story of extraordinary faith and perseverance. Whatever one believes about death experiences that allow people to get a glimpse of heaven – via dream, vision, or reality – an omnipotent God could make it happen.
At press time, 90 Minutes in Heaven was scheduled to debut in theaters September 11. The intensity of the story line and the thematic maturity of the subject matter are the only elements to merit caution, especially for young viewers.
Review by Randall Murphree
The Apostle
Randy Alcorn’s The Apostle, the tenth volume in the long-running Kingstone Bible series, is a graphic novelization of much of Paul’s life and missionary journeys. Beginning prior to his Damascus road encounter, this story – narrated by Luke – takes the reader on the redemptive, relational journey taken by Paul with the gospel interwoven throughout. Highlighting Paul’s strengths, his shortcomings, and his friendships, this volume serves as a powerful witness to the testimony of a real man who had real struggles, but ultimately was saved by a real Savior. With masterful illustrations and Scripture references on nearly every page – a helpful feature to connect young readers to the source material – The Apostle is sure to edify and entertain audiences young and old.
The Apostle and a free study guide are available at epm.org.
Review by Nicholas H. Dean
Princess Cut
Gracie has one clearly spoken goal – to get a ring, princess cut, on her hand. With that end she pursues several relationships that all wash out, leaving her confused, compromised, and heartsick. After entertaining bad counsel from friends, a therapist, and her own flawed judgment, she breaks down to confess her plight to her parents. Her parents advise her to become the person God made her to be rather than looking for the perfect person. Gracie brings home an armload of books on Christian relationships, breaks up with her old boyfriend, and starts spending a lot of time in the kitchen preparing food baskets. Her change in focus leads to new possibilities, but they bring their own challenges.
Aside from a brief conflict where two men wrestle and a few references to showing physical affection, there are no parental concerns. However, despite the underlying Christian context and extensive treatment of the subject of dating, there are no direct references to the gospel or the premise of Christian relationships.
Princess Cut played in select theaters in September, and the DVD release date is pending. See princesscutmovie.com.
Review by Stacy Long
Dancer and the Dame
After a case he was working on goes wrong, Detective Rick Dancer has been demoted to file clerk. Overweight, depressed, and angry, he just doesn’t care about anything or anyone. Thankfully, his sergeant has not given up on him and assigns him to a new partner, Princess, a police dog who is depressed as well. Together they work to solve a case that was the cause of Dancer’s downturn.
Dancer and the Dame is a story of finding hope in the midst of loss. Over time, Princess and Dancer develop a partnership, and their relationship sets the stage for moments of laughter and fun.
Faith is not a central theme of the movie, but there is a point when Dancer offers a brief and heartfelt prayer to God.
It is entertaining, but two cautions are necessary. Some violent scenes include fights, shootings, and blood as a result of a shooting. A scene on a television screen depicts one woman calling another the “B” word. Available at booksellers and online.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Home
For 17 years, Eric Horner toured the world playing with such artists as Lee Greenwood, Shania Twain, Wynonna Judd, and Brad Paisley. In 2002, he began to feel God’s call on his life to return to his gospel music roots and use his talents for a higher purpose. Since then, he and his wife Debby spend over 250 days a year on the road ministering in churches and military bases across America.
In his new project, Home, Horner sings of how the Lord blesses those who believe the promise of a heavenly home.
Home captures his amazing gifts as a singer and songwriter. The diverse collection of musical styles reflects his roots. Lyrics denote the importance of life’s most powerful influences – God and family. The title cut is a powerful reminder of how growing up in a godly home prepares us for our heavenly home. Songs like “Pray Up, Plow The Ground,” “Love ’em In,” and “Hands and Feet” urge believers toward a faithful Christian witness in this fallen world. Available at afastore.net.
Review by Buddy Smith, AFA VP
Christian artist offers beauty in print, song
Two-time Grammy nominee and 12-time Dove Award winner Cindy Morgan grew up in the mountains of east Tennessee. She understands the struggles of life as well as how God often reveals Himself through trials. This is the background from which Morgan writes both on the page and in song.
How Could I Ask For More: Stories of Blessings, Battles & Beauty is Morgan’s new book, a collection of 29 short stories of faith, inspiration, and challenge. The stories are short, simple, and honestly told, with the potential to impact the reader. Her heart for all to see God is evident.
Morgan has recorded 22 #1 hit songs and has written songs for artists such as Amy Grant, Rascal Flatts, Michael W. Smith, and Point of Grace. Her new Bows & Arrows CD offers stories from real-life situations set in a folksy style. In “Do You Know Jesus?” her evangelist’s heart is apparent as she shares the hope of Christ in the midst of pain, loneliness, and searching. Available at booksellers and online.
Review by Debbie Fischer
