Get the Flash Player to see this player.
 |
 |  | / 16 |  |  |
 |
Movies
Yes Man
John DiBiase - December 20, 2008
Yes Man stars Jim Carrey as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere--the operative word being "no"--until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. Unleashing the power of "YES" begins to transform Carl's life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing. (from YesisthenewNo.com)
It's true that humans need Godly discernment in life to get through our daily lives. However, in Jim Carrey's latest comedy, saying "yes" to anything and everything proves to be an overall positive experience despite some rather serious consequences at times. Yes Man is inspired by the true story of Danny Wallace, a man who decided at one point in his life to say "yes" to absolutely everything. In the film, Carrey plays Carl Allen, a depressed divorced bank loan officer who has pretty much given up on even trying in life. Completely unmotivated, it isn't until a friend who has experienced the 'saying yes to everything' concept that he begins to really live again.
While the idea is absurd, the realization that someone - like Wallace - has actually tried this before makes the plot for Yes Man more tangible. However, director Peyton Reed packages it in a primarily comedic dressing with most of it being exaggerated or over-the-top instead of realistic. This works for it being a comedy, but Reed and Carrey still take it a bit further to inject some heart and seriousness into the story. Carrey plays it more like he did in Bruce Almighty as sort of a mix between silly and serious than in Liar Liar where he was considerably more devoted to the silly side of comedy. Conceptually, I can see why a lot of people feel Yes Man is just like Liar Liar, but it's really hardly similar at all. As someone who liked the 1997 comedy (it is too crude but does offer a redeemable theme by its end), I really don't see many similarities at all in Yes Man to Liar Liar. Carl Allen is a significantly different character from Fletcher Reede, and Carrey fleshes him out as much more of a regular guy than Reede's cartoony antics.
Sadly, Yes Man isn't any cleaner content-wise than either aforementioned comedies. There's an icky oral sex gag where he feels he has no choice but to agree to the service of an elderly woman who really wants to do it. In addition to that, we briefly see Carrey's butt crack as he's riding a motorcycle in a hospital gown, and we later see a full auditorium of naked people who are covering their privates (I won't ruin why they're naked, but it's one of the last scenes). In addition, a few comments are inappropriate, but the sexual content isn't nearly as frequent as in Liar Liar, or any number of current PG-13 comedies (including the recent Four Christmases). Language is on the heavy side, but thanfully not frequent. Carl utters an "f" word to himself while frustrated about running out of gas, and there are a series of "s" words and, more importantly, blasphemy scattered about (a couple "g*dd*mn's" and a handful of "Oh G-d" and "Oh my G-d," as well as about 3 uses of "J-sus"). It's unfortunate because the majority of gags aren't vulgar and the story doesn't need this kind of content. It's the kind of film that, if edited right, could have been made decades ago as a family film. But the filmmakers include enough profane and crude content here to nearly completely ruin it.
Sadly, Yes Man isn't any cleaner content-wise than either aforementioned comedies. There's an icky oral sex gag where he feels he has no choice but to agree to the service of an elderly woman who really wants to do it. In addition to that, we briefly see Carrey's butt crack as he's riding a motorcycle in a hospital gown, and we later see a full auditorium of naked people who are covering their privates (I won't ruin why they're naked, but it's one of the last scenes). In addition, a few comments are inappropriate, but the sexual content isn't nearly as frequent as in Liar Liar, or any number of current PG-13 comedies (including the recent Four Christmases). Language is on the heavy side, but thanfully not frequent. Carl utters an "f" word to himself while frustrated about running out of gas, and there are a series of "s" words and, more importantly, blasphemy scattered about (a couple "g*dd*mn's" and a handful of "Oh G-d" and "Oh my G-d," as well as about 3 uses of "J-sus"). It's unfortunate because the majority of gags aren't vulgar and the story doesn't need this kind of content. It's the kind of film that, if edited right, could have been made decades ago as a family film. But the filmmakers include enough profane and crude content here to nearly completely ruin it.
Well, I'm not going to lie. I enjoy watching Jim Carrey in action and it was great to see him return to comedy for the first time in about three years. It's just unfortunate that the humor gets as crude as it does. So, because of its content, I can't recommend Yes Man. Please keep the film's content in mind when you are deciding whether or not to see this one for yourself or others. Unfortunately, we probably won't have a family-friendly effort from Carrey until next year's A Christmas Carol from Robery Zemeckis, so in the meantime, you might just want to say "No" to Yes Man.
s Man stars Jim Carrey as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere--the operative word being "no"--until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. Unleashing the power of "YES" begins to transform Carl's life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing. (from YesisthenewNo.com)
John DiBiase - December 20, 2008
Yes Man stars Jim Carrey as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere--the operative word being "no"--until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. Unleashing the power of "YES" begins to transform Carl's life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing. (from YesisthenewNo.com)
It's true that humans need Godly discernment in life to get through our daily lives. However, in Jim Carrey's latest comedy, saying "yes" to anything and everything proves to be an overall positive experience despite some rather serious consequences at times. Yes Man is inspired by the true story of Danny Wallace, a man who decided at one point in his life to say "yes" to absolutely everything. In the film, Carrey plays Carl Allen, a depressed divorced bank loan officer who has pretty much given up on even trying in life. Completely unmotivated, it isn't until a friend who has experienced the 'saying yes to everything' concept that he begins to really live again.
While the idea is absurd, the realization that someone - like Wallace - has actually tried this before makes the plot for Yes Man more tangible. However, director Peyton Reed packages it in a primarily comedic dressing with most of it being exaggerated or over-the-top instead of realistic. This works for it being a comedy, but Reed and Carrey still take it a bit further to inject some heart and seriousness into the story. Carrey plays it more like he did in Bruce Almighty as sort of a mix between silly and serious than in Liar Liar where he was considerably more devoted to the silly side of comedy. Conceptually, I can see why a lot of people feel Yes Man is just like Liar Liar, but it's really hardly similar at all. As someone who liked the 1997 comedy (it is too crude but does offer a redeemable theme by its end), I really don't see many similarities at all in Yes Man to Liar Liar. Carl Allen is a significantly different character from Fletcher Reede, and Carrey fleshes him out as much more of a regular guy than Reede's cartoony antics.
Sadly, Yes Man isn't any cleaner content-wise than either aforementioned comedies. There's an icky oral sex gag where he feels he has no choice but to agree to the service of an elderly woman who really wants to do it. In addition to that, we briefly see Carrey's butt crack as he's riding a motorcycle in a hospital gown, and we later see a full auditorium of naked people who are covering their privates (I won't ruin why they're naked, but it's one of the last scenes). In addition, a few comments are inappropriate, but the sexual content isn't nearly as frequent as in Liar Liar, or any number of current PG-13 comedies (including the recent Four Christmases). Language is on the heavy side, but thanfully not frequent. Carl utters an "f" word to himself while frustrated about running out of gas, and there are a series of "s" words and, more importantly, blasphemy scattered about (a couple "g*dd*mn's" and a handful of "Oh G-d" and "Oh my G-d," as well as about 3 uses of "J-sus"). It's unfortunate because the majority of gags aren't vulgar and the story doesn't need this kind of content. It's the kind of film that, if edited right, could have been made decades ago as a family film. But the filmmakers include enough profane and crude content here to nearly completely ruin it.
Sadly, Yes Man isn't any cleaner content-wise than either aforementioned comedies. There's an icky oral sex gag where he feels he has no choice but to agree to the service of an elderly woman who really wants to do it. In addition to that, we briefly see Carrey's butt crack as he's riding a motorcycle in a hospital gown, and we later see a full auditorium of naked people who are covering their privates (I won't ruin why they're naked, but it's one of the last scenes). In addition, a few comments are inappropriate, but the sexual content isn't nearly as frequent as in Liar Liar, or any number of current PG-13 comedies (including the recent Four Christmases). Language is on the heavy side, but thanfully not frequent. Carl utters an "f" word to himself while frustrated about running out of gas, and there are a series of "s" words and, more importantly, blasphemy scattered about (a couple "g*dd*mn's" and a handful of "Oh G-d" and "Oh my G-d," as well as about 3 uses of "J-sus"). It's unfortunate because the majority of gags aren't vulgar and the story doesn't need this kind of content. It's the kind of film that, if edited right, could have been made decades ago as a family film. But the filmmakers include enough profane and crude content here to nearly completely ruin it.
Well, I'm not going to lie. I enjoy watching Jim Carrey in action and it was great to see him return to comedy for the first time in about three years. It's just unfortunate that the humor gets as crude as it does. So, because of its content, I can't recommend Yes Man. Please keep the film's content in mind when you are deciding whether or not to see this one for yourself or others. Unfortunately, we probably won't have a family-friendly effort from Carrey until next year's A Christmas Carol from Robery Zemeckis, so in the meantime, you might just want to say "No" to Yes Man.
s Man stars Jim Carrey as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere--the operative word being "no"--until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. Unleashing the power of "YES" begins to transform Carl's life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing. (from YesisthenewNo.com)
Bride Wars
Lisa Johnson Mandell - January 09, 2009
Eight months ago Bride Wars would have been considered a delightful romantic romp. We would have laughed indulgently at the silly girls to whom the perfect wedding at the Plaza is the end-all be-all of existence. Today, with the economy in a shambles and even New York billionaires exercising restraint, Bride Wars appears frivolous and disconnected from reality. Wealthy people squandering their life savings on elaborate nuptials doesn’t seem to be escapist entertainment now, but an exercise in irresponsibility and a depressing reminder of Things We’ll Never Have.
Not to mention an annoying portrayal of vacuous girly girls. Somehow, from Kate Hudson and especially from Anne Hathaway, we expected better. BFFs since grade school, Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have always dreamed of the fairytale wedding at the Plaza, and brutally critique their friends’ weddings, when they are anything less. Then, wonder of wonder, their bland boyfriends both propose during roughly the same time frame, and the two hire New York’s most elite wedding planner, Marion St. Claire (Candice Bergen) to orchestrate their day of days. Unfortunately, she informs them, if they both want the Plaza, they’ll need to schedule their weddings at the same time, on the same day, or they’ll have to wait another three years. What are the odds? The lifetime friends brutally turn on each other, becoming snarling, catty enemies, as each attempts to ruin the others nuptials. Neither one will give an inch, and rather than work to make their own weddings special, their efforts are focused on making the other’s a complete fiasco.
Not to mention an annoying portrayal of vacuous girly girls. Somehow, from Kate Hudson and especially from Anne Hathaway, we expected better. BFFs since grade school, Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have always dreamed of the fairytale wedding at the Plaza, and brutally critique their friends’ weddings, when they are anything less. Then, wonder of wonder, their bland boyfriends both propose during roughly the same time frame, and the two hire New York’s most elite wedding planner, Marion St. Claire (Candice Bergen) to orchestrate their day of days. Unfortunately, she informs them, if they both want the Plaza, they’ll need to schedule their weddings at the same time, on the same day, or they’ll have to wait another three years. What are the odds? The lifetime friends brutally turn on each other, becoming snarling, catty enemies, as each attempts to ruin the others nuptials. Neither one will give an inch, and rather than work to make their own weddings special, their efforts are focused on making the other’s a complete fiasco.
Marley & Me
John DiBiase - January 7, 2009
Marley & Me is an adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling memoir about an incorrigible Labrador retriever. Marley is the yellow lab adopted by Grogan, a columnist, and his wife. Their idea was to give them a taste of parenthood, but the dog proved to be a hyperactive handful. He wreaks havoc, gets kicked out of obedience school and gets even worse when the children begin to arrive, yet becomes an indispensable part of the family. (from MovieWeb.com)
I must admit I enjoy going into movies not knowing a whole lot about them, although it rarely happens that way. However, I was in for quite a surprise when I attended a showing of Marley & Me. I knew the story was based on a book (and I assumed -- OK, cute dog, PG-rating, light-hearted title... must be a kids' book), and that it had to do with an unruly dog, but I didn't really know what the grand story was about. So, I had assumed it was a light, family film all about life with a dog; I had no idea it wasn't really about that.
Marley & Me is fashioned perfectly for the dog lover. If you've ever owned a dog -- past or present -- this movie was made for you. But it, surprisingly, is also just as much about married life and adult life. The movie opens with a shot of Owen Wilson's John Grogan (who incidentally is also the author of the successful book the movie is based after, "Marley & Me"), running after a grown up Marley with his voice over stating that the story began when he and his wife, Jennifer, got married. It's an appropriate way to bridge the two themes in about 15 seconds, as the meat of the story is about a married couple who start a family by adopting a dog, before starting a family raising children. While chunks of the film are about John and his relationship with Marley, probably more of it centers on the reality checks of growing up -- not reaching the goals you imagined your life to achieve, and finding that life seldom goes the way we planned. As Marley, who the two often refer to as the World's Worst Dog, ages and grows, so do John and Jennifer, and it's not always pretty. Once the couple start having children (which gets off to a surprisingly dramatic start), we see their relationship realistically change, and their reactions to how most things change, and some things don't -- and the pain of watching others find success in areas they had dreamed to as well.
Because Marley & Me stresses so much on the married couple's personal life, the subject matter glides towards more adult content than many would expect in a PG-rated film about life with an unruly dog. They openly discuss the sexual part of having children, and three encounters between the couple (well, at least they're married in this story), are seen in part. Between these moments and some of the film's dialog, I couldn't help but feel awkward for the parents that might take their children to see this film. Not only is it not a light-hearted family romp with a misbehaving but lovable dog, but it's a thematically heavy "dramedy" that may be heavier on the drama than the comedy. As a married guy myself, I can appreciate the themes that this movie [mostly] tastefully handles, but what makes me uncomfortable about said subject matter is that it's liable to surprise parents (and their children) who were thinking this would be a pretty safe one to take them to.
So what kind of content do [some of] you think I'm being a little uptight about? First of all, there is some language in the film -- not the worst I've heard in PG films (the 80's got away with considerably worse), but John and Jennifer also talk about having a child while John and his boss and also his longtime friend talk pretty openly about him and his wife having sex while trying to start a family (there are more details in the content summaries after this review). Along with that, we see Marley vigorously humping someone's leg or, in one instance, a couch. We see John and Jennifer passionately making out on the bed (with intentions to have sex) before they're interrupted by Marley (to which they shove a pillow in his face and the scene ends there). Later, the pair find themselves away from home in a bed & breakfast and cuddle under the covers on a squeaky bed. They talk about the possibility of trying for a baby and as the camera pans away, we hear the rhythmic squeaking of the bed. And finally, on John's birthday, Jennifer takes all of her clothes off in front of him and jumps into their pool (we see a very brief glance of part of the side of her breasts as we see her disrobe from behind) and then John disrobes and joins her in the pool. They start passionately kissing but the scene ends there. There's also a brief scene implying violence as the story shows how bad the neighborhood they live in is. We find that their neighbor has been stabbed and we quickly see some blood on her shirt on her side (it's implied that she ends up being okay, however). While none of the sexual content is meant to be vulgar, it still seemed like quite a bit for a film that's being marketed for families (my wife was also surprised).
When it comes to the acting side of Marley & Me, Owen Wilson turns in possibly his strongest performance to date. I've often enjoyed him in comedies (especially Shanghai Noon and his small role in Night At The Museum), so this was the first time I've really gotten a chance to see him stretch his acting abilities (he was more dramatic in Behind Enemy Lines, but Marley & Me is taken much more seriously). Jennifer Aniston does a pretty good job as Jennifer Grogan as well. She offers a well-rounded performance through the maturation of their relationship. Alan Arkin is ultra comfortable in the shoes of John's boss, and Eric Dane does well as John's more successful traveling reporter colleague.
It's kind of unfortunate that Marley & Me isn't the family film that the studios want you to think it will be, however, it's a great look into married life and the surprises that come with growing up and starting a family. The movie encourages working through problems in marriage and staying true to your spouse and family, which is a nice moral theme to see coming out of Hollywood. And as the film likens the chaos of raising a dog to the chaos of life, Marley & Me works better as an adult drama - with a little humor thrown in - than a family comedy. If you do decide to see this one, you better bring the tissues.
John DiBiase - January 7, 2009
Marley & Me is an adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling memoir about an incorrigible Labrador retriever. Marley is the yellow lab adopted by Grogan, a columnist, and his wife. Their idea was to give them a taste of parenthood, but the dog proved to be a hyperactive handful. He wreaks havoc, gets kicked out of obedience school and gets even worse when the children begin to arrive, yet becomes an indispensable part of the family. (from MovieWeb.com)
I must admit I enjoy going into movies not knowing a whole lot about them, although it rarely happens that way. However, I was in for quite a surprise when I attended a showing of Marley & Me. I knew the story was based on a book (and I assumed -- OK, cute dog, PG-rating, light-hearted title... must be a kids' book), and that it had to do with an unruly dog, but I didn't really know what the grand story was about. So, I had assumed it was a light, family film all about life with a dog; I had no idea it wasn't really about that.
Marley & Me is fashioned perfectly for the dog lover. If you've ever owned a dog -- past or present -- this movie was made for you. But it, surprisingly, is also just as much about married life and adult life. The movie opens with a shot of Owen Wilson's John Grogan (who incidentally is also the author of the successful book the movie is based after, "Marley & Me"), running after a grown up Marley with his voice over stating that the story began when he and his wife, Jennifer, got married. It's an appropriate way to bridge the two themes in about 15 seconds, as the meat of the story is about a married couple who start a family by adopting a dog, before starting a family raising children. While chunks of the film are about John and his relationship with Marley, probably more of it centers on the reality checks of growing up -- not reaching the goals you imagined your life to achieve, and finding that life seldom goes the way we planned. As Marley, who the two often refer to as the World's Worst Dog, ages and grows, so do John and Jennifer, and it's not always pretty. Once the couple start having children (which gets off to a surprisingly dramatic start), we see their relationship realistically change, and their reactions to how most things change, and some things don't -- and the pain of watching others find success in areas they had dreamed to as well.
Because Marley & Me stresses so much on the married couple's personal life, the subject matter glides towards more adult content than many would expect in a PG-rated film about life with an unruly dog. They openly discuss the sexual part of having children, and three encounters between the couple (well, at least they're married in this story), are seen in part. Between these moments and some of the film's dialog, I couldn't help but feel awkward for the parents that might take their children to see this film. Not only is it not a light-hearted family romp with a misbehaving but lovable dog, but it's a thematically heavy "dramedy" that may be heavier on the drama than the comedy. As a married guy myself, I can appreciate the themes that this movie [mostly] tastefully handles, but what makes me uncomfortable about said subject matter is that it's liable to surprise parents (and their children) who were thinking this would be a pretty safe one to take them to.
So what kind of content do [some of] you think I'm being a little uptight about? First of all, there is some language in the film -- not the worst I've heard in PG films (the 80's got away with considerably worse), but John and Jennifer also talk about having a child while John and his boss and also his longtime friend talk pretty openly about him and his wife having sex while trying to start a family (there are more details in the content summaries after this review). Along with that, we see Marley vigorously humping someone's leg or, in one instance, a couch. We see John and Jennifer passionately making out on the bed (with intentions to have sex) before they're interrupted by Marley (to which they shove a pillow in his face and the scene ends there). Later, the pair find themselves away from home in a bed & breakfast and cuddle under the covers on a squeaky bed. They talk about the possibility of trying for a baby and as the camera pans away, we hear the rhythmic squeaking of the bed. And finally, on John's birthday, Jennifer takes all of her clothes off in front of him and jumps into their pool (we see a very brief glance of part of the side of her breasts as we see her disrobe from behind) and then John disrobes and joins her in the pool. They start passionately kissing but the scene ends there. There's also a brief scene implying violence as the story shows how bad the neighborhood they live in is. We find that their neighbor has been stabbed and we quickly see some blood on her shirt on her side (it's implied that she ends up being okay, however). While none of the sexual content is meant to be vulgar, it still seemed like quite a bit for a film that's being marketed for families (my wife was also surprised).
When it comes to the acting side of Marley & Me, Owen Wilson turns in possibly his strongest performance to date. I've often enjoyed him in comedies (especially Shanghai Noon and his small role in Night At The Museum), so this was the first time I've really gotten a chance to see him stretch his acting abilities (he was more dramatic in Behind Enemy Lines, but Marley & Me is taken much more seriously). Jennifer Aniston does a pretty good job as Jennifer Grogan as well. She offers a well-rounded performance through the maturation of their relationship. Alan Arkin is ultra comfortable in the shoes of John's boss, and Eric Dane does well as John's more successful traveling reporter colleague.
It's kind of unfortunate that Marley & Me isn't the family film that the studios want you to think it will be, however, it's a great look into married life and the surprises that come with growing up and starting a family. The movie encourages working through problems in marriage and staying true to your spouse and family, which is a nice moral theme to see coming out of Hollywood. And as the film likens the chaos of raising a dog to the chaos of life, Marley & Me works better as an adult drama - with a little humor thrown in - than a family comedy. If you do decide to see this one, you better bring the tissues.
ALL NEW VEGGIETALES®: Here I Am To Worship Releases March 17, 2009
Maureen Hoganson - Mon, Dec 22, 2008
Top CCM Artists Natalie Grant and Aaron Shust Lend Voices to VeggieTales CD
VeggieTales®: An Easter Carol Returns to DVD February 28, 2009
Maureen Hoganson - Mon, Dec 22, 2008
Top CCM Artists Natalie Grant and Aaron Shust Lend Voices to VeggieTales CD
VeggieTales®: An Easter Carol Returns to DVD February 28, 2009
FRANKLIN, TN (December 22, 2008) – This Easter season marks the launch of the brand new VeggieTales®: Here I Am To Worship album in stores everywhere Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company. Following the success of the 2006 Dove Award winning VeggieTales: Worship Songs with scans of more than 150,000 units, Here I Am To Worship presents twelve of today's most sung worship offerings from top recording artists. Perfect for kids of all ages, this fun-filled collection of easy-to-sing worship favorites is only $9.99 SRP and will be available in Christian stores through Word Distribution and in the GM through WEA Distribution.
All of the featured songs were chosen to provide families with a meaningful and memorable way to learn worship favorites. Bob, Larry and Junior Asparagus are joined by the Gospel Music Association's three-time "Female Vocalist of the Year" Dove Award winner Natalie Grant on the title cut, "Here I Am To Worship." The VeggieTales crew also welcomes "2007 Artist of the Year" Dove Award winner Aaron Shust, who joins his Veggie pals on his No. 1 hit, "My Savior My God."
"I was a VeggieTales fan before I was a mom, but now Bob and Larry are my best friends," says Natalie Grant. "I love this project because I believe children are never too young to be introduced to a lifestyle of worship."
"Worship at any age is about glorifying our Creator and becoming more like Christ," adds Aaron Shust. "What a wonderful way for children to experience the heart of worship than through music and God's Word. I look forward to sharing these songs with my own children!"
VeggieTales: Here I Am To Worship Track Listing
1. How Great Is Our God
2. Here I Am To Worship (with Natalie Grant)
3. Open The Eyes Of My Heart
4. Holy Is The Lord
5. Shout To The Lord
6. Lord I Lift Your Name On High
7. Friend Of God
8. Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)
9. I Can Only Imagine
10. Every Move I Make
11. My Savior My God (with Aaron Shust)
12. Made To Worship
The Easter holiday also marks the return of one of Big Idea's best-selling, beloved holiday classics with the re-issue of VeggieTales®: An Easter Carol on DVD. Having sold more than one million copies to date, this heartwarming tale as shared by Bob The Tomato and Larry The Cucumber boasts all-new packaging and a low sale price of only $9.99 SRP. Featuring contemporary Christian music superstar and GRAMMY winner, Rebecca St. James, as the voice of the music box angel "Hope," the DVD will be re-released in Christian stores Saturday, February 28, 2009 through Word Distribution and in the GM Tuesday, March 3, 2009 through Genius Products.
"Since its original release in 2004, An Easter Carol has truly become a holiday classic," notes Greg Fritz, SVP Marketing and Licensing, Big Idea. "This Easter rendition of the Charles Dickens classic novel presents the powerful retelling of the Easter story in a clever way that children can understand while providing parents with wholesome family-oriented entertainment that they can enjoy together."
An Easter Carol Synopsis:
Filling London with plastic Easter eggs, Uncle Nezzer is on a rampage to make Easter "bigger than ever!" But just how hard can his mechanical chickens work before they're…well, fried? In just one unforgettable day and night, Cavis and Millward (Bob and Larry) and a music box angel named Hope (voiced by Rebecca St. James) must convince Nezzer that Easter is about more than just candy and eggs.
Inspired by Dickens' Christmas classic, this very special VeggieTales film explains why millions of Christians around the world celebrate Easter past, present and future.
Marketing Support
Big Idea has partnered with the faith-based Gospel Music Channel network for the television broadcast premiere of An Easter Carol slated to air Saturday, April 11, 2009. Big Idea's extensive online media buys and radio promotions campaign will be coupled with promotional mentions on Gospel Music Channel during a two-week period that will feature various VeggieTales episodes, culminating with the premiere of An Easter Carol the evening before Easter Sunday. The programming can be viewed on numerous cable and satellite providers. Please visit http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/ for availability and broadcast schedules in your area.
An Easter Carol Bonus Features
● Easter Egg Hunt playable with DVD remote
● Behind the Scenes video starring ForeFront Records recording artist Rebecca St. James as the
voice of "Hope."
● Interactive Storybooks
● DVD-ROM links
About Big Idea, Inc.
Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea's best-selling animated series VeggieTalesÒ has sold 52+ million videos, 13 million books and more than 7 million CDs. VeggieTalesÒ and Big Idea's newest property, 3-2-1 Penguins!Ò, are in their third season as top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV via the quboÒ children's programming block. The studio's two theatrical releases, Jonah-A VeggieTales MovieÒ (2002), and Universal Pictures' and Big Idea's The Pirates Who Don't Do AnythingÔ-A VeggieTales MovieÒ (2008), are distinguished among the top ten most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.bigidea.com.
VeggieTales: Here I Am To Worship
Street Date: March 17, 2009
SRP: $9.99
CD UPC Code: 820413507022VeggieTales: An Easter Carol
Not Rated, 49 minutes, Color, Stereo, Close-Captioned
Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
English and Spanish subtitles
DVD UPC Code: 820413113490 $9.99 SRP
10 Great Christmas Movies and the Lessons They Teach
Dan Kulp - New Chrstian Voices - Wed. Dec. 17, 2008
In our increasingly secular society, it is very easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Sure, on an intellectual level we would concede that the holiday represents the birth of Jesus, but all too often even his worshipers are swept up by the sales at Sears and the 8 cajillion lights on our neighbors' rooftop.
However, it wasn't too long ago that Christmas not only brought the story of the nativity, but also life lessons to be learned. The holiday season was a warm time when neighbors smiled at one another. December itself seemed to remind us to be civil to each other. It wasn't the time to trample someone for the best buy at Walmart or to swear at the guy who cut you off in traffic. Even our entertainment taught us lessons. So, in the spirit of how Christmas used to be, and still can be, my gift to you is a list of 10 Christmas movies and the lessons they teach. I hope you and your family enjoy yourselves, and enjoys the truths these films offer.
The epitome of all that is NOT the spirit of Christmas will forever be embodied in Charles Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge. There are several tellings of the classic A Christmas Carol, and all of them are pretty good. The benchmark may very well be the 1951 version starring Alistair Sim. Perhaps you could have fun each year by choosing one of the others too. They star Seymour Hicks (1935 – titled Scrooge) Reginald Owen (1938), Albert Finney (a 1970 musical – titled Scrooge), George C. Scott (1984), Patrick Stewart (1999), Kelsey Grammer (a 2004 musical) and even a modern day retelling called Scrooged starring Bill Murray (1988). From the faith of Tiny Tim to the youthful optimism of Bob Cratchit, there are many things to be learned from this yuletide tale. Mostly, however, we learn that we are never too old to be transformed and that generosity brings much joy. (Acts 20:35)
Everyone matters and the world would be a different place without you. We discover this along with George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) as an angel shows him what life in his small town would be like if he chooses to jump off of a bridge. The title says it all in It's a Wonderful Life (1946). (Psalm 139)
A Miracle on 34th Street (1947) starring Edmund Gwen as Kris Kringle touches us with the simple idea that faith is an important virtue to our daily lives. Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus and is put on trial for doing so. A young Natalie Wood stars as Susan Walker, a little girl in need of something to believe in. Although this 1947 telling is my favorite, there are two remakes with some measure of charm as well – 1973 with Sebastian Cabot and the 1994 version with Richard Attenborough. (Hebrews 11:1)
Along with great dance numbers and catchy songs, including the popular title hit, White Christmas (1954) introduces themes of friendship, loyalty, bravery and a host of all American ideals through entertainers Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The pair decides to raise money for their beloved commanding officer from WWII so that he can keep his cherished inn. (John 15:13)
Not exactly a full length feature, the animated A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is still a wonderful viewing for the whole family. Follow Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas, and you may be reminded too. Besides, who can forget that ugly little tree he picked out for the pageant? (For this, I would simply read the entire Christmas story together found in the first chapters of Mathew or Luke.)
In A Christmas Story (1983), there is only one thing on the entire planet that little Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas – a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! This hysterical and nostalgic look at Christmas through the eyes of a child is sure to bring back memories from your own childhood. You may also use the film to talk about our desire for material possessions and the mistaken belief that one single thing will make our lives complete. In addition, you can introduce your kids to the phrase, “You'll shoot your eye out!” (Mathew 6:21)
Due to some crude humor, A National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) is recommended for the older members of your family. However, there are some endearing qualities about the story of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family. Everything that can go wrong does in this typical slapstick fashion, but through it all, Clark maintains his hope that the holiday can still be something special. Like A Christmas Story, Griswold puts most of his hopes in a single gift – a Christmas bonus from work in which he wants to purchase a swimming pool for his family. (Exodus 20:17)
Home Alone (1990) is a guilty pleasure of mine. Hardly considered a classic by most, the slapstick humor and story of a young kid forgotten by his exasperated parents and having the run of an empty house makes me laugh. After doing all the things any boy might do if given complete freedom (overeating, not cleaning, staying up late, etc.), Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is visited by two bumbling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) from which he must defend his home. The most touching moments come from a sub plot about an elderly neighbor whom Kevin has misjudged as being something he is not. Lots of ways you can go with this in regards to family, responsibility and prejudging others. Or, you can simply talk about being ready for when Jesus returns (Luke 12:39-40).
Despite lukewarm reviews, I think Jim Carrey was brilliant as the Grinch (whose “heart was two sizes too small”) in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). I'm not joking when I say that he was a perfect fit for the role and should have been nominated for an academy award. This full length version of the animated classic by Dr. Seuss is filled with energy and expands the story of the original. Both are great and the message is the same - “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” This is another great opportunity to discuss the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. Generosity works too. (Proverbs 11:25)
Finally, along with Scrooge and the Grinch, Elf (2003) shows us the blessing of giving. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, an elf who is adopted into the family of Santa's helpers, and journey's into New York City to find his birth father. Yes, his real Dad (James Caan) is an Ebenezer sort of guy. His heart must be melted by Buddy's child like optimism and humble spirit. The overgrown elf loves Christmas and chooses to live life to the fullest. So should we! (John 10:10)
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Dan Kulp is a an actor, writer, speaker and lead singer for the popular indie rock band The Dig Project. You may check out his music at www.myspace.com/thedigproject or write to dan@thedigproject.com
“Bolt” is Super!
Dan Kulp - New Christian VoicesOn TV he's fast, he's strong and he has a super bark. In real life, however, Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is your ordinary, cute little dog. He is also unaware of this fact and believes that the role he plays on a fictional action television show is the real universe in which he lives. One day, Bolt is plucked from the studio lot and accidentally shipped off to the opposite coast. Hilarity ensues as he embarks on a cross-country journey to reunite with his beloved costar and real-life owner, Penny (Miley Cyrus).
The newest animated feature from Disney is fresh and funny and is a treat that the whole family can equally enjoy. Colorful new characters inhabit Bolt's adventures, from wisecracking pigeons to a cynical cat named Mittens (Susie Essman). Almost stealing the show, however, is a hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton), who spends most of his time traveling in one of those little plastic hamster balls. He is hysterical as an avid fan of the “Bolt” TV show and shares in the dog's fantasy of heroism and evil villains. You will have loads of fun watching Bolt act as if he has super powers. When they don't quite work out, he blames it on the Styrofoam packing peanuts from the box he was shipped in, as if they were a type of Kryptonite.
“Bolt” is offered with or without new 3D digital technology. The 3D is simply a colorful bonus and is never relied upon to deliver a great story. This film is sure to become a classic along with “Toy Story” and “Cars.” The action sequences from Bolt's show, as well as his real life adventures, are as exciting to watch as any live action film. I doubt there will be a single moment in which you or your children are bored.
An overriding theme is that of loyalty to one's friends and loved ones. Great lessons for folks of all ages. I highly recommend you join in the adventure.
I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
Dan Kulp is an actor, writer, speaker and lead singer for the popular indie rock band The Dig Project. You may check out his music at www.myspace.com/thedigproject or write to dan@thedigproject.com.
Inspiring Christmas Film 'Noëlle' Makes DVD Debut
By Josh Kimball - Christian Post Reporter -Thu, Nov. 13 2008
An inspiring story of one priest’s journey to learning forgiveness and redemption is now available on DVD after releasing in select theaters nationwide last year.
Once again in time for the holiday season, "Noëlle" revolves around Father Jonathan Keene, a cold, impatient Catholic priest who arrives in a tiny fishing village the week before Christmas to shut down a dying parish.
“He shuts down churches that aren’t considered financially viable … sort of [the archdiocese’s] hitman,” explains one of the characters in the Volo Films production distributed by faith-based Gener8Xion Entertainment.
To Keene’s surprise, however, he quickly becomes entangled in the lives of the village's eccentric characters – among them, the childlike priest he is replacing, and a beautiful librarian who harbors a secret that could profoundly change Keene's life.
"The film is not only about discovering who we really are; it is about realizing who we are not," says award-winning director David Wall, who wrote, directed, and starred as the lead actor for "Noëlle."
“I think we as humans do tons of things out of guilt. Keene is really just an exaggerated example of that in human nature,” Wall told the Catholic Digest.
“This story, and even more importantly, the outcome of this story, addresses that guilt and, I think, offers healing. And hopefully audiences are going to identify that,” he said.
Laced with comedy, mystery, and a splash of romance, "Noëlle" has been touted as a stirring motion picture that will entertain and challenge the hearts of young and old alike, inspiring viewers to ask themselves not what they are doing, but why they are doing it.
More than the usual feel-good Christmas flick, "Noëlle" promoters say the film offers authentic, real-life challenges that are sure to resonate with viewers.
"We believe that everyone deserves a second chance," says Matt Crouch, chairman and CEO of Gener8Xion Entertainment. "'Noëlle' is a film about hope – a story that will inspire everyone to realize that a second chance is always an option in this life."
"Noëlle" was released on Dec. 7, 2007, in 203 theaters in the United States, grossing over $250,000 in the course of two weeks. It won two awards at the 2006 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival for “Best Director” and “Best American Indie 1st Runner Up.”
The film’s promoters describe "Noëlle" as a cross between "Waking Ned Devine" and "It's a Wonderful Life."
On the Web:
Noëlle website at www.noellethemovie.com
Noëlle website at www.noellethemovie.com
Surf Film Reaches Over 62,000 with Gospel
By Josh Kimball - Christian Post Reporter - Mon, Nov. 10 2008
Over 62,000 people in over six different countries have been touched by an inspiring surf film that is being touted as an “amazing” outreach tool.
And with the recent release of the Walking on Water DVD, many more are expected to follow the journey of two young surfers as they come to discover how the world can be their classroom.
"I had the privilege of being at the world premiere of the Walking on Water movie and was blown away,” recalls Kevin Palau, executive vice-president of the Luis Palau Association, in a published endorsement. “It is a world class film in every way, and an amazing tool for outreach. Tens of thousands have already experienced it in theaters, but as a DVD, I expect it to have a huge Kingdom impact."
From the makers of award-winning surf films The Outsiders and Noah’s Arc, Walking on Water follows up-and-coming surf stars Luke Davis and Tyler Hallen as they travel to five different countries throughout the world and encounter and experience sights and cultures far different from what they’ve known.
“It’s more than a surf film,” exclaims filmmaker and professional surfer Bryan Jennings, who founded and directed Walking on Water.
“This movie is a chance for people to see who God is in a really unique way, through the sport of surfing. People might understand in a new, fresh way who God is and how much He loves them."
Jennings was 14 years old when he was taken on his first surf trip by a local professional surfer. The trip, which had a lasting effect on his life, inspired him to return the favor with Luke and Tyler in hopes that they too would forever be changed.
In Walking on Water, Luke and Tyler travel to Hawaii, Peru, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, and France and meet up with three-time world champion surfer Tom Curren, teen shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, top professional surfers C.J. and Damien Hobgood, and many others.
Though the film will especially strike accord with surfers, it’s being promoted as a production for everyone.
“Youth will be challenged to view their lives differently and adults will remember what it was like to be a child on an incredible adventure,” the film’s promoters say.
Since its debut last October, Walking On Water has been screened once every four days for the past year to over 62,000 people in live attendance from the East and West coasts of the United States as well as Australia, New Zealand, Bali, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and more.
Following each screening, a Gospel message is personally presented by Jennings or Walking on Water’s director of outreach, Mike Doyle, or by one of the surfers in the movie. And Jennings says they’re seeing incredible response.
“The world tour … is being recognized as possibly the largest grassroots surf video of all time,” film promoters report.
According to Jennings, the world tour of Walking On Water, which ends this year with a Dec. 6 showing in California, is projected to be in front of over 200,000 people over the next two years.
The world tour of the movie preceding Walking on Water, Noah's Arc, had over 150,000 in live attendance.
“Whether you’re a surfer or not you will enjoy this inspiring film where two young surfers find faith on the journey of a lifetime,” film promoters say.
Seven more live showings will be held before the year concludes. Four will be shown in the West Coast, in Costa Mesta, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Coronado, Calif.; and Kailua, Hawaii. Three, meanwhile, will be shown on the East Coast – in Easton, Md.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Deerfield Beach, Fla.
On the Web:
Walking On Water website at walkingonwater.com
Walking On Water website at walkingonwater.com
Changeling
4 Stars - Powerful
By Denny Wayman - Thu, Nov. 06 2008
The true story of the abduction of Christine Collins’ son is powerfully told by Clint Eastwood in his newest film “Changeling.” With the eye of a master filmmaker, Eastwood uses this disturbing event and the corruption it exposed in the Los Angeles Police Department early in the 20th century to remind us that evil can reside in all areas of society. But if persons of faith and courage stand up to such evil, it can be defeated.
A single mother whose husband left when she gave birth to their son, Christine (Angelina Jolie) is a responsible worker and dedicated mother. Her son, Walter (Gattlin Griffith), is a typical nine-year-old who is disappointed when his mother is called in to work on a Saturday after she had promised to take him to the movies. Leaving that morning and coming home just before dark, she finds the house empty. The greatest fear of any parent has become her reality when she calls the LA Police to report her missing son.
But this abduction is only part of the story. That there is evil which harms us is why we need police to protect us and hold those who do such things accountable. However, when those sworn to protect us use their power to harm us, then evil in all its various forms flourishes.
Caring little for the citizens they are supposed to protect, Walter’s disappearance is of little importance to Capt. J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) or Chief of Police James E. Davis (Colm Feore). Wanting to have something to celebrate in the press, they jump on the claim of a young boy in another state, Arthur Hutchins (Devon Conti), who says he is the missing Collins boy - a claim Christine immediately rejects when she meets him.
What happens from that point is an amazing journey of injustice and evil, laced with courage and integrity. One of the leading persons involved in this fight for justice is the Rev. Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich) whose campaign to expose the corruption of the police involved not only the use of his pulpit but his nightly radio show as well. With his support and her courage, the truth is exposed, not only about her son but also about the LA Police Department, leading to a complete overhaul of leadership in the LAPD and the mayor’s office. Though this is a true story powerfully told of courage and ultimate justice, it is a graphically violent film with disturbing images not recommended for the sensitive viewer.
Discussion:
1. Many people in our country as well as around the world have experienced not being treated with respect by the police. This is the reason why the legal system needs to hold both police and politicians accountable. In the city or nation in which you live, do you feel that the police treat you with respect? Why or why not?
2. The lack of respect for women evident in this story shows how American culture of the 1920’s did not give equal protection under the law. What has changed since then and what remains unfair?
3. The use of the psychiatric facility to imprison people who were simply an embarrassment to the police is something that has been legally changed. Do you see anything similar to that misuse in society today?
__________________________________________________________
Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary. Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews: www.cinemainfocus.com.
Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary. Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews: www.cinemainfocus.com.