Home Media Magazine - July 13-19, 2008 - (Page CER-15)

reviews+ 7TH HEAVEN: THE SIXTH SEASON >> Available Now, Paramount, TV, $49.98 six-DVD set, NR. Stars Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Beverly Mitchell, Barry Watson, Jessica Biel, David Gallagher, Mackenzie Rosman. F THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY >> Available Now, Disney/Miramax, Drama, B.O. $6 million, $29.99 DVD, ‘PG-13.’ Stars Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, and Anne Consigny. inner of the 2008 Golden Globe for best foreign-language film and best director, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the remarkable true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Amalric), a well-known editor of a leading French fashion magazine whose life was forever changed at age 43 by a massive stroke. JAMES 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. After three weeks in a coma, Bauby awakens to find his mind fully alert. He is able to see, hear, understand, remember and imagine – but his body is almost completely paralyzed. He cannot speak, move, eat or even swallow. Suffering from “locked-in syndrome,” Bauby is a prisoner in his own body, only able to blink his left eye. Although The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a story of crisis and struggle, it is also a story of perseverance and triumph. With the help of his speech therapist (Croze), Bauby learns to blink through the alphabet one letter at a time and later writes a book about his amazing experi- W ence – finally able to communicate his inner thoughts, hopes, regrets, passions and dreams. This is a movie for adults only. It contains several scenes with offensive language, several scenes with smoking, one scene with brief male nudity and two scenes with brief limited female nudity. (Let’s just say that it’s not the best choice for your church’s family film night.) With that strong caution noted, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a visually stunning, beautifully acted, and emotionally powerful movie that will leave a profound impression on its audience. Several biblical themes run through the film, including hope, faith, prayer and perseverance. Its message reminded me that (1) we all struggle to communicate, to connect and to be understood, (2) we can accomplish the near impossible with help from others and from God, and (3) no matter how dire the circumstances, we must never give up. So, adults, be ready to be moved. Be ready to be inspired. Be ready to select another movie for your church’s family film night. (Just a quick reminder.) – Pastor Jeff Berger Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### or those unfamiliar with the series, “7th Heaven” was a weekly TV show chronicling the lives of the Camden family, with its minister father and stay-at-home mother dealing with the drama of raising seven children. The sixth season of the show continues with solid acting and good scripts. It is no wonder this drama lasted 11 seasons, a rare accomplishment these days. There are no bonus features in this six-DVD set, but what you get are 22 episodes of wholesome entertainment that are based on realistic plots sprinkled with some humor. The show is to be applauded for dealing with difficult, contemporary issues in tasteful ways. The characters go through true-to-life changes, giving the show an extra bit of realism. 1 PETER 1:7 These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. A good example of the drama Eric and his wife, Annie, have to deal with — problems that naturally result from having several children of various ages — is found in the first episode of season six, titled “Changes.” In the episode, one son is laid off, another is learning to drive, and one daughter breaks up with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Annie is entering a pre-menopause phase and her mood shifts rapidly from anger to tears. These kinds of family moments are something to which most viewers can relate. This show is well acted, well written, realistic and will give the viewer many moments of laughter. This is a series you can watch with your family. – Rev. Edwin Carpenter Christian rating: Entertainment rating: #### CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW / JULY 2008 1 5

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Home Media Magazine - July 13-19, 2008

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