Home Media Magazine - September 16-22, 2007 - (Page CER17)

reviews + SURF’S UP >> Street 10/9, Sony Pictures, Animation, B.O. $58.9 million, $28.95 DVD, $38.95 Blu-ray, ‘PG’ Stars Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, James Woods. S urf’s Up takes you into the world of competitive penguin surfing. Big Z (Bridges) used to be the surfer of all surfers. After winning many competitions, he has a tragic accident during a surfing event and is believed to be dead. Enter young Cody Maverick (LaBeouf), who is big on motivation but lacking the ability to “chill” and enjoy life. Big Z becomes Cody’s surfing mentor. Cody is also friends with Chicken Joe (Heder), who is one of the more humorous characters in the film. Chicken Joe remembers how he once enjoyed a hot tub as a guest of some natives, and how they treated him so well, throwing him loads of food, particularly vegetables. He didn’t realize the natives wanted him for dinner. Although there are no overt Christian themes in the film, it has some strong values, including finding a way to live your dream and MATTHEW 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. remembering to take the time to stop and smell the roses. The Bible tells us to “ask, seek, and knock”; Cody discovers that someone he admires can help him, and at the same time, Cody has something to offer him in return. Cody is instructed to persevere and to work hard toward his dreams, while teaching his new mentor that he still has a purpose in life, if nothing more than passing on his wisdom. It was refreshing to see a character change and move from a selfish attitude, to giving up what he wants to help someone in need. There are some minor issues of which parents should be aware. There is the use of one “damn” in the film and one character misunderstands the word “pepper” to be “pecker,” but other than the words “crap” and “poop” and “butt,” the language is wholesome. This film is suitable for all ages and the type you will probably talk about for a few days after seeing it. Your kids will enjoy that conversation. – Edwin L. Carpenter Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### THE CASE FOR CHRIST >> Street 9/11, Lionsgate, Documentary, $19.98 DVD, NR I confess that I was skeptical about this DVD. I read the bestselling book The Case for Christ, and I envisioned the DVD to be little more than the author behind a podium. I was wrong. It is very well produced and it makes common doubts and questions come to life by interviewing people and hearing their perspectives. 1 PETER 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to every one who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Author and host Lee Strobel is a Yale-educated former legal editor for The Chicago Tribune. His evangelical pedigree includes serving as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church and Saddleback Church. The film documents his twoyear investigation into the claims of Christ, the trustworthiness of the Bible, the Resurrection, and his ultimate decision to leave atheism and become a follower of Christ. The DVD captures your attention by interweaving Strobel’s personal story of coming to faith with manon-the-street comments and interviews with theologians and other scholars, along with various findings. This is a dynamic resource for any believer to have. It can be given to a skeptical friend or viewed for personal growth. It would probably be best used within a class, small group or student ministry. Every church in America that values equipping their people should have this easily accessible for anyone to view. – Pastor Len Evans Christian rating: Entertainment rating: ##### SEPTEMBER 2007 / CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW 17

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Contents News Commentary TV DVD Reviews Pipeline Research Top 20 DVD Sellers Top 20 Rentals and Top 10 Charts Just Announced Christian Entertainment Review

Home Media Magazine - September 16-22, 2007

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