Home Media Magazine - November 11-17, 2007 - (Page CER17) reviews + MIDNIGHT CLEAR >> Street 12/4, Lionsgate, Drama, $19.98 DVD, ‘PG 13’. Stars Stephen Baldwin, K Callan, Kirk B.R. Woller, Mary Thornton, Mitchell Jarvis. A lthough “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” according to Andy Williams’ classic song, the Christmas season for many people can be a time of loneliness, depression and despair. Midnight Clear is a real-life, gritty, in-your-face movie that shows this side of the holiday season by following the lives of five troubled and broken residents of a small southwestern town on Christmas Eve. This is not a “make the popcorn, set the kids on your lap and have a family movie night” kind of film. The language is crude at times, especially in the opening scene when “Lefty” (Baldwin) is fired by his boss. (Let’s just say that his boss was less than pleased.) Although the language remains rough throughout the movie, I found that it was appropriate to each situation, and it wasn’t a distraction from my overall enjoyment of the film. Another reason to send the little ones to bed before you watch this movie is that it includes two jarring scenes of people contemplating suicide — one with a revolver and the other with a lethal cock- tail of prescription drugs. (Remember, this is not Frosty the Snowman or Here Comes Santa Claus.) With those two warnings noted, Midnight Clear is a powerful and brilliantly acted film that has a lot to offer mature teenagers and adults. Its message reminded me that (1) simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference, (2) we need each other and (3) there is always hope — both from others and from above. God knows our struggles. He knows our pain. He reaches out to us in our darkest moments, draws us to Him and rescues us. So go ahead, make the popcorn, have a seat, and get ready to be surprised, challenged and inspired. After all, you can watch Frosty or Santa with the kids tomorrow. – Pastor Jeff Berger Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### 2 SAMUEL 22:17 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. http://www.CEReview.org/Preorder http://www.CEReview.org/Licensing
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