Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Last Exorcism

I only picked this movie because I was interested to see how they did the "found footage" genre. (I wonder how much longer we're going to get movies like that)

The Last Exorcism tells the story of an exorcist who has decided to come clean. For his last exorcism, he wants to document how he "tricks" the people into believing the rite has been performed.

Patrick Fabian plays Cotton Marcus, the exorcist who receives a letter to deliver a Nell (Ashley Bell) from a demon. Nell's father is worried for his home schooled daughter. His livestock are being slaughtered and it seems as if Nell is to blame.

Marcus and his documentary crew of two arrive to perform the "exorcism". After getting paid and providing Nell's father some peace of mind, the crew spend the night at a local motel.

In the middle of the night, Nell shows up in one of their motel rooms seeming sleep walking.

And the terror begins.

This movie wasn't as scary as I figured it would be. I'm usually a push-over for scary movies but this one really didn't have too many scare moments. (There was a scene involving a poor farm cat...)

Unlike most Found Footage films, The Last Exorcism has been edited and background music has been added. Who would have found the camera and decided to produce it with the kind of serious material found inside?

Ashley Bell does a good job of giving the camera creepy stares and how in the world can she go so long without blinking?

Like most horror films, this has an intriguing storyline with a few twists to keep things interesting. But sadly, the ending almost ruins the film. It takes one twist too many and ends in an almost different place. Too many scary movies fall into this trap: scary movie until the ending/big reveal.

The Last Exorcism is rated PG-13 for disturbing violent content and terror, some sexual references and thematic material.
The Last Exorcism

The Apostle

This movie has to be one of the most boring films I have almost sat through. Robert Duvall wrote, directed and starred in The Apostle about a southern preacher who bashes an adulterer in the head with a baseball bat.

He's full of love for God, but because of his act of "passion", he must disappear deep into the south where he begins a new church.

This movie also stars Farrah Fawcett as the wife who was cheating on Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton as a man who isn't happy with a new church in his area.

Ultimately, I suppose this is a movie about redemption, but it almost gets lost in the boring middle section. I actually started reading a book in order to keep myself awake. While I'm a fan of Robert Duvall, this film was a huge dud.

A Shine of Rainbows

I received this movie for a review. At first I thought it was going to be the cliche-ridden Christian film about a mother who loves her son, a father who isn't quite comfortable around him, and how the two men find love.

While I wouldn't call this a blatant Christian film, I was correct on the other points.

A Shine of Rainbows is about how Maire (Connie Nielsen) wants to adopt a boy. Her husband, Alec (Aidan Quinn) sends her off to make the choice. At the orphanage, Maire finds and selects Tomas (John Bell) a boy who is tenderhearted and nervous around men.

The home-life is a challenge as Maire does everything she can to make Tomas feel welcomed and loved while Alec is unsure of having such a "weak" boy.

In time, Tomas makes friends and they go off on adventures. He makes friends with an orphaned seal and they created a special bond.

The actors are fine in their roles. It's good to see Aidan Quinn out of the woodwork, and the locations were fantastic (the isles of Ireland).

Then the cliches come in full force and I don't want to spoil for you. But I will say, it's a family friendly film and it does have a good ending. The message is positive as well although not as "Christian" as I was led to believe.
A Shine of Rainbows

Scripture and the Authority of God by N.T. Wright

N.T. Wright has expanded and revised a previous book on the authority of Scripture and sent it out to be part of his latest series. Scripture and the Authority of God is Wright's argument for why Christians read the Bible.

Wright offers fresh, and helpful statements on the "battles for the Bible" as well as how the Bible has been treated throughout history.

Inside you'll find 8 chapters and 2 new case studies:

By Whose Authority discusses what authority means and how to apply it to Scripture.
Israel and God's Kingdom-People sets the stage for how Scripture was brought about in the Old Testament.
Scripture and Jesus is about exactly what it sounds like.

Then he delves into the historical aspects:

The "Word of God" in the Apostolic Church
The First Sixteen Centuries
The Challenge of the Enlightenment

Finally Wright tackles the Misreadings of Scripture and How to Get Back on Track.

He finishes the book with 2 case studies; one on The Sabbath and what Scripture says about how/if we should keep it and one on Monogamy and if it was truly the way God intended.

As with every N.T. Wright book, you will need to give this work your undivided attention. If you have anything going on in the background, you will lose focus and miss the depth of this scholar's teachings.

Even though this is a re-release of a previous title, I enjoy reading whatever Wright authors.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by HarperOne Publishing.
Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

Simply unbelievable. Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs. How incredible is that to try and wrap your brain around? In Life Without Limits, Nick gives us a review of his life and how God is using his circumstances to provide encouragement and inspiration to thousands of people.

With 12 chapters, you'll begin with Nick's parent's reaction to his birth and how shocking it was to have a son with no limbs. You enter into their lives as they struggle to figure out how to provide as normal a life for Nick as they can.

Mixed within his life story, Nick offers general, "God has a plan for you", inspirational thoughts that coincide with whatever stage he's discussing.

The 12 chapters include:

If You Can't Get a Miracle, Become One
No Arms, No Legs, No Limits
Love the Perfectly Imperfect You
Armless But Not Harmless
Don't Let Your Face Plant Grow Roots
The Ridiculous Rules

and others.

In the middle of the book, you'll find full color pictures of Nick beginning when he was 6 months old up to his current age and speaking before a large crowd.

Nick's story is mind boggling. It helps put life in perspective and create a sense of wonder.
Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Circle Saga 4-in-1 by Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker has re-released his fantasy series in one book. This thing is huge when you consider, you're reading 4 full length novels in one hardback book (Black, Red, White, Green).

With this edition, you will find a few alterations to Black in which Ted adds some clues from Green as well as a new alternate ending to Green. This new ending provides closure to the series instead of the mind-altering original ending.

Thomas Hunter is heading home when someone begins firing a gun at him. As a bullet grazes his head, he wakes up in another place. It feels like a dream until his dreams and reality blur causing him to question which is a dream and which is the real place.

A great evil is threatening both realities and it seems as if it's up to Hunter, alone, who can provide the answers.

This saga is the beginning of a mind-bending thrill ride.

At the end of this edition, there is a Q & A with the author about the creation of this series, the possibility to more books dealing with The Circle/Books of History Chronicles and what else he has in store.

If you enjoyed these books the first go around, this collection is well worth the read as you get a new ending to the entire saga. While some may not justify spending the money on books you've already read, Ted Dekker books are well worth the duplication!

Circle Series 4-in-1 (The Circle Series)

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Thomas Nelson Publishing

Grown Ups

Adam Sandler fronts an all-star comedy troupe in the funny "remember when" movie, Grown Ups.

Costarring: Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider and Salma Hayek; Grown Ups is about a gang of friends who reunite upon learning their basketball coach has passed away.

Sandler is married to Hayek and has become an agent, James is...we're not quite sure what he does, Rock is a stay-at-home dad, Spade is a swinging bachelor, and Schneider has become the expert at marrying older women.

The friends gather at a lake house to enjoy the memories and catch up. Each family has its quirks and some of the boy's old traditions clash with their new family identities.

This is a tame movie considering Sandler's other movies. The laughs are actually funny without always being cringe-inducing. There are some groan moments (a 4 year old still breast fed, and watching Schneider make out with a grandma) but I'm sure the tv edited version would be perfectly fine for any family.

It's an easy moral story without a serious villain that is typically cliched in these "family" movies.

You will get your standard Saturday Night Live veteran cameos as well as Sandler's momentary annoying laugh.

Looking past the very few questionable moments, this film was good for one night to relieve boredom.
Grown Ups

Monday, March 21, 2011

Easy A

This is a window into today's youth culture.

Easy A is Olive's (Emma Stone) confession about a rumor that she inadvertently started about herself. Throughout the recap of events, Olive speaks to the camera as if she were posting this on a youtube-like website.

While trying to have a conversation with her annoying best friend, Olive lies and says she had sex with her date (who happens to be totally made up). The school Christian overhears them and the rumor-mill takes over.

Before long, the entire school knows and Olive decides to play the role of School Harlot.

When the school outcasts come to her and ask for her "pretend hookups", things get worse; the lying ends up destroying a marriage.

Despite the humor, and this film is laugh-out-loud hilarious, there are some strong language issues and the sex humor is a little too much. But again, this is revealing the culture our youth are in.

By far, my favorite actors were Thomas Hayden Church as the English teacher Mr. Griffith and Stanley Tucci as Olive's dad, Dill.

All in all, this would make a great "conversation" movie for families. Although I know most teens abhor the idea of talking about movies with their parents.
Easy A

Shattered Glass

Hayden Christensen stars as Stephen Glass in Shattered Glass; the tale of how Stephen made up 20 some of his 40 stories written for the New Republic magazine and other freelance projects.

Glass is in his early 20s and studying for law school in addition to his writing assignments. He really knows how to network and build relationships with whoever he interacts with. But he has a problem, in order to hog the spotlight, he makes up stories for the magazine and impresses his colleagues.

It isn't until the online version of Forbes Magazine attempts to do a follow-up story to one of Glass's that they notice all of his contacts are made up.

Christensen does a good job as Stephen Glass. He is energetic and magnetic around people, but you'll begin to notice some odd quirks about the character that is the beginning to the cracks in his mental state.

Shattered Glass also stars Hank Azaria and Peter Sarsgaard as The New Republic's two editors. Both actors are, typically, fantastic in their roles.

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual references and brief drug use, this film is an interesting look at how one rising journalist fooled so many people and who knows how long it might have continued if it weren't for the new online magazines.

The special features include the 60 Minutes interview with the real Stephen Glass. (His former co-workers still feel a strong animosity toward him)
Shattered Glass

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Reggie by Reggie Dabbs

I will always remember my experience with Reggie Dabbs. He is, by far, the greatest public/inspirational speaker I have ever heard. He has recounted his life and speaking engagments in his book, Reggie: You Can't Change Your Past, but You Can Change Your Future.

Simply put, Reggie's story will have you laughing one minute and bawling the next. He can connect with any audience with his hilarious stories about life and growing up.

Inside, you'll read 10 chapters that deal with things you should know.

1 - Know your story
2 - Know your truth
3 - Know your pain
4 - Know your hero
5 - Know your choice
6 - Know your voice
7 - Know your name
8 - Know your passion
9 - Know your future
10 - Know your Father

Each chapter is filled with the stories that have endeared audiences to his message. There are pictures sporadically placed in this book as well to help give another dimension to the story you read.

Anyone who has met Reggie Dabbs can't say enough about him. After reading this book, you'll feel like he's been hanging out in your kitchen sharing life with you.

This is a great book!
REGGIE: You Can't Change Your Past, but You Can Change Your Future

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.


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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Who Do You Think You Are? Season 1

We finally have a reality show that isn't based on smut or horrible "acting". Who Do You Think You Are? is a fantastic program that follows a number of celebrities on their journey to discovering their ancestors.

Sarah Jessica Parker learns about her connection to the Salem Witch Trials, Emmit Smith learns about his slave ancestors, Lisa Kudrow discovers a relative from the Holocaust, Matthew Broderick has family who served in the Civil War, Susan Sarandon had a relative who "got around", Brooke Shields has royalty in her blood and Spike Lee has an unexpected surprise.

These stories are top-notch. Whenever I think of genealogy, I tend to get bored, but this show will keep you captivated as you discover family answers to the stars.

There's obvious marketing going on as each person uses a certain database to help find their great-grandparents, but it's all worth it whenever they travel to small towns and foriegn countries in search of their heritage.

Who knows, maybe this program will entice you to look up your ancestors.

Whoever said Reality TV was the downfall of our society has not seen Who Do You Think You Are?
Who Do You Think You Are?: Season One

This DVD was provided for review, at no cost, by Acorn Media.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I enjoyed this third installment of The Chronicles of Narnia. The diehard fans may not be happy with the liberties they took with the story, but for the rest of us, this is a fun, fantasy tale for the family.

Lucy and Edmund are the two who return to Narnia in this film. Their older siblings are too old for this adventure. So instead, they bring their obnoxious cousin, Eustace.

Caspian is also back and this time he's the king.

With the children back in Narnia, they board Caspian's boat The Dawn Treader. They travel to a number of Narnia's islands and confront the "evil green smoke". With what you'd expect from Edmund, he is tired of playing second fiddle to his brother and Caspian. Caspian is trying to emerge from his father's shadow and Lucy wishes she could be as beautiful as her sister.

The green smoke causes them to forget about what they have and fight amongst themselves.

Eustace, on the other hand, does his job perfectly. Throughout the first half of the movie, you'll hate him so much that you will want to constantly reach into the screen and strangle the boy. (this is excellent on the part of the actor.)

Voyage of the Dawn Treader may have a couple intense scenes with a sea serpent too scary for younger children.

Aslan comes this close to proclaiming who he's "supposed" to be.

And you have a high seas adventure.

What more could you want?
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader (Single-Disc Edition)

Hollywood Stories by Stephen Schochet

Stephen Schochet provides fun, anecdotes about actors and filmmakers in Hollywood Stories.

The book is broken down into 13 chapters:

Great Hollywood Comedians
Science Fiction and Horror
Oscar Tales
Great Hollywood Anecdotes
Western Vignettes
Walt Disney Stories
Moguls and Directors
Silents to "Talkies"
Television Tales
Singers and Dancers
Drinking Tales
Miscellaneous Hollywood Stories
Leading Men and Leading Ladies Lore

You'll read stories ranging from Gene Kelly performing the title song in Singing in the Rain with a fever of 103 to Johnny Depp deliberately being a pain so they would fire him from 21 Jump Street and so much more.

These stories are nice and quick. I began to wonder how much of these stories he knew about before the special features of DVDs came out because many of the stories he shared, you can find on the bonus DVDs.

Schochet is a Hollywood tour guide as well as the host of The Hollywood Minute syndicated radio show.

There are stories for everyone and there are plenty to go around. Pick this book up to engage your movie trivia pals and laugh at some of the tom-foolery that takes place in Tinsel-Town.

(it would make a great bathroom book)
Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes about the Stars and Legends of the Movies!

This book was provided for review, at no cost by Hollywood Stories Publishing.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Jesus, Paul and the People of God edited by Nicholas Perrin & Richard Hays

I love to read anything dealing with N.T. Wright. At the 2010 Wheaton Theology Conference, 9 scholars & theologians got together to discuss and critique N.T. Wright's work.

This book is a collection of their essays in reflection on Wright's writings. It also includes Wright's response to each essay and two of his own.

This book is broken down into 2 parts.

Part 1 is Jesus and the People of God. This section deals mainly with Wright's book, Jesus and the Victory of God. You'll read 4 essays dealing with how people responded to that resource. The first part finishes with Wright's own essay, "Whence and Whither Historical Jesus Studies in the Life of the Church?"

Part 2 is Paul and the People of God. This section deals with what Wright had to say about Paul, justification and eschatology. Four more essays are in this section with Wright closing out the book with "Whence and Whither Pauline Studies in the Life of the Church?"

If you enjoy deep discussions on biblical study and scholarly debate, this book will be exactly what you're looking for.

I found it funny that each participant would rain down the praises on N.T. Wright before getting to the point of their essay which would be a major critique of his writing and theology.

Like most N.T. Wright stuff, you may find yourself getting lost along the way, but continue through. You will finish reading these essays with a better appreciation for Bible study.
Jesus, Paul and the People of God: A Theological Dialogue with N. T. Wright

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by IVP Publishing.

Mentored by the King by Brad Brewer

This is for all you golf fans. Arnold Palmer's thoughts on golf, business and life have been written down in this little book, Mentored by the King by Brade Brewer.

Brewer has called Palmer his friend for more than 25 years. With that kind of knowledge flowing around, who wouldn't expect a book to share the thoughts with the world?

This little book includes 35 principles that Palmer has lived by. Brewer takes these simple principles and expands upon them. (how else will he get the book published?)

These principles include: giving a firm handshake, when afraid, use your fear as fuel, make friends with your "enemies", always practice like a pro, let yesterday fade, and many others.

These principles, or lessons, are divided into 5 parts:

Lessons are often Simple
Your Starting Point Influences Your Destination
Optimism Rules the Kingdom
Heroes
A True Attitude is Gratitude

Filled with personal stories about one of the greatest golfing legends, Mentored by the King may be the ticket to your golfer's heart.
Mentored by the King: Arnold Palmer's Success Lessons for Golf, Business, and Life

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Zondervan Publishing.

Life Promises for Success by Jim Tressel

I enjoyed reading Coach Tressel's earlier New York Times Best-seller. However I was dismayed to discover that his follow-up, Life Promises for Success was going to be a gift book-sized outing.

Like other gift books, this is a small hardcover book filled with Bible verses on specific topics followed by the author's quick thoughts. Sometimes they include a quote from some famous person as well.

I don't understand the purpose of these books. Is it so those who don't know what to get someone can have an easy gift?

Does anyone actually read these books all the way through?

You get almost 200 pages of Bible verses, famous quotes and the quick thoughts of Ohio State Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel.

Breaking it down into 3 parts, you'll read about:

The Essence of Success, The Elements of Success (such as Discipline, Belief, Integrity, all the big ones) and The Epitome of Success.

My only advice is that you get this book if you are a die-hard Tressel fan or if you need to get a friend something and don't have a clue.
Life Promises for Success: Promises from God on Achieving Your Best

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.
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