Christian Entertainment Review - July 2008 - (Page CER-14)

WHEN I FIND THE OCEAN >> Prebook 7/8, Street 8/5, Monterey, Drama, $24.95 DVD, ‘PG.’ Stars Diane Ladd, Graham Greene, Lee Majors, Amy Redford, Bernie Casey, Lily Matland Holly. L ily (Matland Holly) is an adolescent girl living with her mother, Jenny (Redford), and her grandparents (Ladd and Majors) in Alabama. THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES >> Available Now, Paramount, Fantasy, B.O. $71.2 million, $29.99 DVD, $36.99 two-DVD special edition, $39.99 Blu-ray, ‘PG.’ Stars Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Sarah Bolger, Nick Nolte, David Strathairn. B ased on the best-selling book series, the film chronicles the Grace children, twins Jared and Simon (Highmore) and sister Mallory (Bolger), who encounter strange creatures after moving with their mother (Parker) to a new home, Spiderwick Estate. The children’s parents are separated, and young Jared rebels against his mother for a time, placing the blame of the separation on her. EPHESIANS 3:13-14 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. For this reason I kneel before the Father. Simon and Mallory don’t believe Jared at first when he tells them about his encounters with the creatures from another earthly realm, but they soon become believers and pull together to stop the evil creatures from taking over their home. They also begin to piece together the mystery of what happened to Arthur Spiderwick and his daughter Lucinda. CHRISTIAN RATING 5 4 3 2 1 The story of the family pulling together, learning to forgive one another, and persevering is to be commended. The acting, especially that of the young stars, is fantastic, and the production value is out of this world, bringing to life a fantastical world which seems to actually exist. The special two-DVD “Field Guide Edition” is loaded with interesting bonus features, including several making-of featurettes, a featurette on transferring the story from book to film, and a “Field Guide: In Movie Mode” that shows how to select icons during the film to learn more about the story as you watch, among the usual deleted scenes, trailers and more. This is a very engaging story, and the special effects are awesome. You won’t have much time to catch your breath while watching this one. It is nonstop in the adventure department and great fun all the way. – Rev. Edwin Carpenter Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### Lily is heartbroken over the loss of her father, who was missing at sea and declared dead. To compound her heartache, Lily’s mother is engaged to marry Dean, who is secretly abusing Lily. Lily dreams of escaping to the ocean to feel closer to her lost father, so she heads toward the ocean — in a rowboat. Christian values are affirmed in the movie. When Lily is missing, the pastor comes and prays with the family and asks the Lord for His help and guidance. Because the movie takes place during the civil rights movement in the Deep South, racist remarks are said, but it is demonstrated that this is wrong. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The whole family will enjoy watching this beautifully filmed and well-acted movie together (with a box of tissues) — seeing faith overcome fear, love overcome prejudice, and hope overcome despair. – Dr. Roger D. Haber Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### 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 # 4# 3# 2# 1# 5 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 1 4 CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW / JULY 2008

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Christian Entertainment Review - July 2008 Contents Product Profile - C.S. Lewis' Magical World of Narnia Continues to Entertain and Inspire Audiences Product Review - VeggieTales Celebrates 15 Years of Wholesome Edutainment for Preschoolers Reviews New Releases

Christian Entertainment Review - July 2008

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