Movie Review: Churchball

By David Mackey

As someone who watches Christian films so that I can write about them for you and promote those that are actually good, it is my pleasure to say that Churchball is excellent. Okay, okay – you aren't going to get great theological insights and occasionally it enters the realm of cheesy.  But, when you see the cast including Fred Willard and Andrew Wilson, you should expect it. It runs in the vein of comedy like Anchorman, Zoolander, and Bottle Rocket – and attempts to combine both. Mixing actors and humor that is dry – like that in Bottle Rocket with slapstick comedy works pretty well for Halestorm.

The basic idea of the film is familiar to many individuals who have attended church. Church sports leagues can be some of the most unloving events to be sanctioned by the church. Featuring flaring tempers and holier-than-thou attitudes, church sports are oftentimes an example of what not to be, rather than an image of Jesus.
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Though None Go With Me

By Donald James Parker

Most of us are probably familiar with the lyrics "I have decided to follow Jesus . . . no turning back. . . ."  The second verse starts with "though none go with me, yet I will follow. . . ."  Those are the words inscribed on the inside cover of a book given to the heroine by the man she loves in this movie, made for The  Hallmark Channel and based on a novel by Jerry Jenkins of Left Behind fame.  Let me drop another name here:  Larry Levinson, executive producer, who seems to churn out quality products on a regular basis. (I will devote an entire column in the future to the Hallmark Channel movies).  The film was created by RHI Entertainment, LLC, a big player in the entertainment industry, who recently bought out Hallmark Entertainment.

Do you need your flicks filled with action?  If so, this one will probably disappoint you.  This is a cerebral, touchy-feely love story that will have tender-hearted viewers ensuring the Kleenex box is close by.  As far as pacing is concerned, the story spans fifty years in just a hundred minutes so, the story did not spend much time anywhere for very long. Despite the lack of action, this movie did not drag at all with the spiritual and psychological undertones pulling the story through at a steady pace.  A movie short on action better provide interesting dialogue and meaty content, and I think Though None Go With Me delivers.   This is suitable for the whole family to watch but, younger kids would probably be bored by it.  This plot would appeal to anyone who values a genuine, loving relationship between a man and a woman.
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A Walk Across Egypt

By Carolyn Weeks May
 
Have you noticed that some of the all-time best movies are practically unknown?  When I go to a video store, I like to take the time to find the one-of-a-kind movies, those that the store only has a single copy for rent. These are the ones that never appeared in the theater or had a very short run and now they're in a box on a shelf at the video store.  

One of my top five favorites is a movie called A Walk Across Egypt with Ellen Burstyn. I had never seen many movies with this actress, so I don't really know why I picked it up but, I am so glad I did.  The title is misleading, having nothing to do with Egypt.   The story is about a widow and a young man in reform school. It is such a wonderful movie in every way.  The cast is spectacular, though comprised of actors and actresses that you don't see very often, but each one was great and perfect for their role in this family friendly movie.
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To See or Not To See: That is the Question

By Dante Longo II
 
Your co-worker, anonymous Joe, just told you about a box office smash, one that will certainly break attendance records. It's so good he's compelled to see it again–if you'll accompany him to a 7:30 p.m. showing at "The Bijou Theatre" on Main Street. Never quite sure about the connection between "bijou" and "bayou," your antennae quiver, seeking signs of submerged obstacles in low-lying waters.

Refraining from pointed questions such as, "Does it honor the Lord?" you take a tactful route, "What's it about, Joe?" He responds, "It has Jane Fonda and Michael Moore in it." Your antennae break into a linear rendition of the funky-chicken. Knowing that your question was misinterpreted, or avoided, you ask "Is it gory?" Joe, ever forthright, replies "Not really. Jane portrays an aging club dancer addicted to crack cocaine and younger men . . . ." Standing next to the water cooler, you shift your feet. Ummm. "What is it rated, Joe? How would my kids benefit from watching it?"  Joe, enthusiasm dampened, crumples a paper cone cup and stuffs into the right front pocket of his chinos. "I think it's R-Rated, but that doesn't mean anything – you know how ten little cuss words and a few seconds of nudity can skew a rating."  Your antennae go rigid, and faint.
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Ugly Betty

By Hope Chastain

True to form, the writers of Ugly Betty on ABC had many surprises for viewers on the season opener.  Having ended the first season with a number of cliff hangers, they raised our hopes on some issues, only to dash them to the ground again.  It is interesting to watch the characters come to life and become somewhat real to us over the course of just one season.

In this new season, once again we see Betty’s very square peg trying to fit into the round (very thin) hole of Mode Magazine.  She is overworked and underappreciated.  Everywhere she looks, the shallowness and emptiness of the lives of her co-workers and bosses grate on her nerves.  Meanwhile, she’s coping with serious family problems including the death of her nephew’s father, her sister’s sorrow, and the immigration problems of her own father, who is still stuck in Mexico.  At work, she is trying to run the office for her boss, Daniel, who is hospitalized after a car crash that almost killed him.  If this wasn't enough, Betty is still grieving over the departure of her boyfriend, Henry, as well as trying to handle what seems like a dozen other difficulties.  

I could go on and on about the escape of Claire Meade from prison, Amanda’s sudden weight gain after finding out she was adopted, the heartless ad campaign Wilhelmina Slater is having done while planning her marriage to Bradford Meade and her ultimate goal of taking over Mode Magazine.  But, if you’re familiar with the show, you can probably guess what will be next.  There were some significant surprises though, like Alexis regaining consciousness.  It looks as if the show is off to a good start on its second season.  If the writers keep up this pace, there will be many more surprises in store for viewers.

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