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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Artist Spotlight: Six Piece Suit

By James Staubes

Six Piece Suit is 5 piece band out of Marietta, GA.  Fusing rock, bluegrass, folk and country, their sound is influenced by Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder, Keane and Coldplay.  The band formed in 2005 when friends Corey Brown and Nathan Wright started writing songs.  

Wright explains the process of forming Six Piece Suit, "Corey and I had written some stuff on our own for a few years before we even started playing together. Then we all got together in the summer of '06 and started really taking the time to write songs seriously."

The song, "Psalm 29," is a folk song full of twists and curves.  It takes a turn as it builds slowly into an all out worship song.  The opening acoustic guitar is reminiscent of the style from The Beatles and then the song builds into a U2 type of anthem.
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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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Artist Spotlight: Kate Hurley

By Gerard Medicis

Christian music fans have a priceless gift in Worship Circle Records’ artist, Kate Hurley.  Out of Boulder, Colorado, this singer/songwriter has a passion and maturity to her music that convey her extensive experience and commitment to ministry.

Her website explains that Kate has been writing music since she was a little girl.  In the tradition of so many great songwriters before her, she uses acoustic guitar or piano, uncluttered arrangements and the well-developed instrument of her voice, to communicate her songs.

Playing in venues ranging from jails to concert halls, and in several different countries (e.g. the U.S., Russia, Thailand, India, Ireland and Brazil), this seasoned artist has a refreshing depth to her songwriting; like cool water to the thirsty.
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