Flicks & Faith Archive

POST PUBLISHED INJune, 2009

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Cinema in Focus: TAKING CHANCE - 4 Stars

June 22nd, 200909:57 PM ET

By Denny Wayman

Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin As Americans grow weary of the wars in the Middle East the stories of real lives lost in battle become a fading memory. "Taking Chance" brings the life of one of these young soldiers home in a profound and deeply emotional way. Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon), a volunteer militar...
Finding Strong Fathers in Film

June 19th, 200911:15 AM ET

By Marc Newman

Once you get past the first four of the Ten Commandments that deal with humans' relationship to God, the first "horizontal" commandment is that people honor their fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12). Last month we honored mothers. If you went to church, you may have seen moms getting flowers, perhaps being asked to stand, even receiving applause. Th...
Cinema in Focus: MY LIFE IN RUINS - 2 Stars

June 16th, 200910:15 PM ET

By Denny Wayman

Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin The demure style with which Nina Vardalos plays her roles is appealing but repetitive. In her first film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, we were charmed by her simultaneous embarrassment and pride in her Greek heritage. Although this film is not a sequel, Vardalos is clearly the same character. The difference this time ...
Cinema in Focus: LAND OF THE LOST - 1 Star

June 09th, 200902:45 PM ET

By Denny Wayman

Will Ferrell's penchant for visual gags, bathroom humor and junior high sexuality continues in his latest film, "Land of the Lost." Very different from the original 1970's children's TV series produced by Sid and Marty Kroft, this film has their support but is written by Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas. Bringing their experience as writers for S...
Losing Your Life to Gain It: Guidelines for Growing Old in Up

June 05th, 200904:18 AM ET

By Marc Newman

Up is an animated film for grown-ups. Sure, it has a main character who is a child, funny talking dogs (sort of), and a fantasy element that requires a substantial suspension of disbelief – so don’t be surprised that families are drawn to it as well. Pixar movies are magnetic. They have the power to attract, even when the source of the pul...
Cinema in Focus: UP - 3 Stars - Wholesome

June 03rd, 200901:45 PM ET

By Denny Wayman

Life is an adventure. This truth is often missed because we assume that we have to go somewhere else in order to have an adventure, so we miss the truth that life itself, its chance meetings and shared loves are adventures, too. In this animated tale "Up", directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, we have a creative opportunity to learn the true na...