i care, I really do

Big, huge, overdue diatribe of a post over at Basically Green. It includes info on screenings for an upcoming documentary.

the least among you

Breaking news here in my corner of cyberspace: I think the days of “Christian movies” are behind us. Now, we have mainstream movies that are Christian. Big difference – and a much bigger audience.

I received a DVD of “The Least Among You” and I was taken aback by the cast: Louis Gossett, Jr. (“MAY-YO-NAISE!” – remember that?), Lauren Holly and William Devane (who shares a birthday with my husband). The movie features a solid performance by Cedric Sanders as Richard Kelly. I think Lauren Holly might steal the show here though. Her performance was heartfelt and dead on point.

“The Least Among You” is based on a true story. I haven’t researched the background here, so I don’t know how much creative license is taken, but the story is quite powerful. In the 1960s, Richard Kelly gets a chance at probation instead of jail, by attending seminary – an all-white seminary. Personal prejudices, money, politics and power struggles all come into play as we see Richard, and those around him, changed.

“We are all called to act on our faith, not our fear,” Samuel (Gossett, Jr.) says. This movie shows that faith in action.

I think the audience for this movie is broader than Christian films of the past that were perhaps pigeon-holed due to theme. Bringing an undiluted message that isn’t prohibitively heavy-handed remains the challenge of Christian movies as they gain a wider audience. The key – and I think this film hits a homerun with it – is telling a good story first. This is an evangelistic tool, no doubt, but your non-Christian friends can find something here on which to hang their hat. Who doesn’t love Lou Gossett? This is a nice addition to the trend I am starting to see unfold. Support this movie and others like it by voting with your pocketbook.

Parents, please note that the Christian point of view doesn’t mean this is a movie for kids. The themes are for middle school and older, in my opinion. There’s a word or two you might not want littles to hear, but more importantly, kids need to be old enough to understand the context of this story. It’s a good one, but enjoy it for at-home date night or with the teens.

“The Least Among You” is available on DVD.

 I was provided a copy of the DVD for review. My opinions are my own.

the mysterious islands – enter to win at hotm

I have a review of “The Mysterious Islands” running today at Heart of the Matter. Click on over and enter to win your very own copy. It is definitely not just for homeschooling families.

red

Oh this was a lot of fun. If you remember Bruce Willis in the original “Die Hard,” I am happy to report that he is back. (I just looked it up – “Die Hard” was 22 years ago. Sigh.)

My husband and I attended a screening of “Red” last night. The cast is incredible: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Mary Louise Parker, Richard Dreyfuss and a short but sweet appearance by Ernest Borgnine (he’s 94!). I suspect this movie will be vastly underappreciated by anyone younger than 40, but for our demographic it is bound to be a hit. I have reached the ripe old age that allows me to fully appreciate the notion of “grandpa” sticking it to the young whippersnappers who think they know it all. Without spoiling it, the REDs (Retired Extremely Dangerous) have become targets due to their past work in the CIA. The story becomes a life or death road trip as they try to get to the bottom of who wants them silenced and why. And it’s an awfully fun ride.

Despite the fact that a couple of people brought their kids last night, this is not for the littles. It is rated PG-13 and has some foul language (but unlike some other PG-13 movies of late, it isn’t replete with vulgarities) and there is a lot (a LOT) of mostly bloodless violence. This is based on a graphic novel (I haven’t read it) and I suspect that might lead some parents to think it’s a kid-friendly movie. It’s not, but then again, I don’t think most graphic novels have very much in common with the comic books from 30 years ago. Make it a date night sans kids.

Edited to add: Helen Mirren is drop dead gorgeous and she is 65 years old. I just read a wire story in my local paper in which she refers to Bruce Willis as a geezer. Love that! Geezers rule.