Christian Entertainment Review - May 2008 - (Page 12)

BELLA >> Available now, Lionsgate, Drama, $27.98 DVD, ‘PG-13’ Stars Tammy Blanchard, Eduardo Verástegui, Manny Perez. F JESUS, MARY AND JOEY >> Available now, Monarch, Comedy, $22.95 DVD, ‘PG-13’ Stars Vincent Pagano, Marley Shelton, Jennifer Esposito, Olympia Dukakis, Melissa Joan Hart, Jason Gedrick. T wentysomething Joey Vitello (Pagano) and his large, lively Italian-American family go to mass every week. They believe in God. But when Joey’s grade-school friend Mary O’Callahan (Shelton) moves back to town and shares her personal relationship with Jesus, Joey and his family start wondering if they really know God. JOHN 14:6 … I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Mary has been miraculously healed of cancer, and her newfound faith in Christ spills over into her relationship with Joey. He is caught between becoming a “Jesus freak” to his family, and having a real relationship with God and his newfound love. The movie is well versed in the classic romance format of boy meets girl. It spins a CHRISTIAN RATING 5 4 3 2 1 web of smart conversations, witty banter and a healthy dose of old-fashioned vanilla-flavored love. Particularly impressive is the movie’s overall movement — a great rhythm keeps you interested with memorable scenes and niche characters. The movie isn’t quite in the big leagues. It has a couple of production low points, and there are a few scenes that drag. But it has moments where you truly disappear into the story. The message is in your face and well spoken. It is the message that Jesus saves, and if you want to get to know your creator, you’re going to need Him in your life. The movie is accurately rated ‘PG-13’ for adult themes, so check it out before letting the kids see it or showing it in your church. – Pastor Jason Anderson Christian rating: Entertainment rating: ### ormer international soccer star Jose (Verástegui) now works in a Mexican restaurant in New York City. Nina (Blanchard) is a beautiful waitress struggling to make ends meet who discovers she’s pregnant and considers termination. In one moment both their lives are turned upside down, until a simple gesture of kindness brings them together. I would highly recommend this film for the Christian family, especially teens, because it shows the consequences of making choices contrary to the way of the Lord. Parents of younger children should be aware of some violent images. Though foolish choices are made, there is a way out. No matter how desperate things get, we should never give up hope. There are compassionate people out there willing to sacrifice their own needs for others. The film inspired me to feel more compassion and demonstrate it to people who are suffering. This would be a great gift for families with whom you want to share the love of Christ. The bonus feature at the end with the testimonies is also worth viewing. Verástegui shares how his career has changed, and how he works to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Please watch this bonus feature and share it with someone who needs God’s grace. – Dr. Roger Haber Christian rating: Entertainment rating: ##### PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ENTERTAINMENT RATING Couldn’t be closer to biblical Christian family values/messages than the Bible Strong biblical Christian family values/messages throughout the movie Good mix of Christian family values Christian values are there, but not obvious Christian values, if any, are hidden and hard to find # # 3# 2# 1# 5 4 Potential Academy award winner, great entertainment Great production values, well-acted, good entertainment Contains several memorable scenes that make it worth watching Enjoyed watching, but not a must-see OK, but the type of film you watch and forget 10 CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW / MAY 2008

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Christian Entertainment Review - May 2008

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