Movie Review: “The Divergent Series: Insurgent”

Rated: PG-13 for intense violence and action throughout, some sensuality, thematic elements, and brief language
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet
Released: 2015

Synopsis: To save the future, they must unlock the past.  This follow-up to the smash hit Divergent raises the stakes for Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as she searches for both answers and allies.  On the run and targeted by ruthless faction leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet, Titanic), Tris fights to protect the people she loves, facing one impossible challenge after another as she and Tobias “Four” Eaton (Theo James) race to unlock the truth about the past—and, ultimately, the future—of their world.
(Adapted from the back cover of the DVD)

The Good: As was the case with the first film in the series, this second installment retains much of what made its prequel great: amazing action sequences, likable heroes, a chilling villainess, and, especially, an all-too-real portrait of where our society could be headed.  The performances were outstanding, especially Ms. Woodley playing both good Tris and evil Tris in one scene.  As you’d expect from a big budget production like this, the special effects were wonderful.

The Bad: Now, I’m about to undo all that praise.  I had a serious issue with this movie: the way the heroine is objectified.  I’m a big fan of strong women, and Tris definitely holds her own here…but, two unnecessary scenes involving her—one sex scene, another with her in the shower—serve no purpose other than to appeal to lustful young males.  In a film like this, you need a strong character…but she shouldn’t be required to take off her clothes.  Of lesser note is the profanity: There’s not all that much, but, the writers felt the need to add in an f-word.  Seriously? The violence alone could have earned a “PG-13”; there’s no need to put that in the dialogue, considering how light the rest of the film is in that department.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Two teenagers are seen engaging in sexual intercourse; no private anatomy is shown.  The same two kids also are seen passionately kissing, when another character quips about doing such a thing “later”. 1/5
• Nudity: During the sex scene, a girl’s bare back and shoulders are seen, and a guy’s bare chest is seen; the rest is left to the mind’s eye.  Elsewhere, both the heroine and main villainess show cleavage, and girls in midriff-baring outfits are seen three or four times. The heroine is also seen from the waist up in the shower; her arms are crossed over her chest. 2/5
• Language: Two uses of the s-word, once combined with “bull”; one or two uses of the d-word; one use of the f-word. 3/5
• Violence: Fights and gunplay are seen throughout; people are tackled, shot at, shot dead, punched, kicked, wrestled, etc., countless times, and it gets bloody once or twice. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: The entire movie takes place in a dystopian society, and the atmosphere is decidedly dark and brooding.  A main character is thought to be killed, but then comes alive.  Some emotional intensity is also present. 1/5

Conclusion: One of the reasons I generally avoid “young adult” entertainment is because it tends to focus on sex; I’ve seen too many books within that genre that I could tell were dirty just by the cover image.  “The Hunger Games” was an exception, and was engaging and rather well-made.  While this movie doesn’t focus on sex, it dabbles in it way too much for my tastes, and spends too much time objectifying its heroine.  You can make a female character strong, but, if you also make her take her clothes off…you’re still turning her into an object.  Will Hollywood ever learn?  After this mess and the disappointing literary experience that was “Allegiant,” I’m not going to bother with this series anymore; it did a Fonzie and jumped the shark…quite badly.

Score: 1.5/5

Movie Review: "The List"

Rated: PG for thematic elements including some peril and brief incidental smoking
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Chuck Carrington, Hilarie Burton, and Will Patton
Released: 2008

Synopsis: After the death of his estranged father, lawyer Renny Jacobson (Chuck Carrington) is shocked to discover that he doesn't get any inheritance...but soon finds out that his father was part of a society known as The List.  Renny soon joins the society's meetings, but not everything is as it seems.  With everything he holds dear hanging in the balance, it's up to him to overcome the apparent evil once and for all.
Based on the book by Robert Whitlow.

The Good: The performances are great here, but that's to be expected from stars of mainstream hit shows such as JAG and One Tree Hill.  It's also great to see a "PG" film that targets adults instead of kids; too many films with that rating are a chore for anyone over the age of fifteen to sit through.  The production values were better than usual for a Christian movie; this is more like the average PureFlix production than a total mess like C Me Dance, at least in that regard.

The Bad: As good as the production values and performances were, they are ruined by the plot.  This movie is very pokey, and it seems to go on forever.  It waits until the last half to introduce supernatural elements, which should have been present from the beginning.  Even the ending doesn't resolve most of the plot threads, and some sequences don't make all that much sense.

Content Concerns: As mentioned above, this movie may be rated "PG," but the themes would go right over most kids' heads, and some moments could scare them as well.

Conclusion: Christian movies often get drubbed by critics, even ones of the faith.  I usually try to give an "inspirational" flick a chance before I give up on it...but, this one was just terrible.  It's such a shame; the wonderful production values and acting talent were completely wasted on this dreck.  Let's hope that the crew behind this film gives some thought to the story before trying their hand at the art of cinema again.

Score: 2/5

TV DVD Review: "Batman: The Animated Series": Volume One

Rated: TV-PG (US) / PG (Canada)
Starring: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., and Mark Hamill
Released: 1992 (original TV premieres) / 2004 (DVD)

Synopsis: Bruce Wayne may be your average billionaire by day, but, by night, he is Batman, defender of Gotham City.  With villains such as the Joker, the Scarecrow, and Poison Ivy coming out of the woodwork, it's going to take everything Bruce has got to save innocent people from harm...but, will that be enough?

The Good: This series has been regarded as a classic by many superhero fans for quite a while, and with good reason; the production values and storylines are great.  Despite its age, the animation looked great on every device I watched it on, and the voice work was spot-on.  Batman may be strong, but he often uses more than just brute strength to save the day.  He is a likable hero, and the villains are appropriately despicable.

The Bad: As good as this is, I did have one problem: I'm not sure why Robin appears in only a select few episodes; as a fan of sidekicks, I would have liked to have seen more of him.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing and flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: Batman is seen shirtless and in his underwear; various women are seen in low-cut outfits.  However, the animation style makes it less sultry. 3/5
• Language: Name-calling, which isn't surprising; two misuses of God's name, which were. 3/5
• Violence: As usual for this kind of series, action violence abounds.  Batman, Robin, and the various villains hit, kick, shoot, punch, throw, wrestle, etc., each other countless times.  Some attacks leave Batman with a nasty scratch on his suit. 1/5
• Drugs: Gases and other substances that cause hallucinations are present in a few episodes; drinking is also seen. 3/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: This may be a cartoon, but it definitely isn't as happy or sprightly as the 60's Adam West Batman.  Some of the villains could be rather frightening, and the mood is rather dark, with most scenes taking place at night.  Parents of young children should be wary. 1/5

Conclusion: A few years ago, I bought a DVD of the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon at a garage sale, which served as my official introduction to the world of superhero cartoons.  Since then, I've watched everything from X-Men to Superman: The Animated Series to The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.  Fans of series like Batman: The Animated Series know what to expect, and that's what they'll get here.  While not for young kids because of the violence and intensity, older fans will definitely enjoy this.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "David and Bathsheba"

Rated: Not Rated (US) / PG (Canada)
Starring: Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward
Released: August 10, 1951

Synopsis: The classic Bible story comes to life in this epic film adaptation! As God's anointed King of Israel, David (screen legend Gregory Peck) has everything a guy could ask for...but, when he sees the lovely Bathsheba (Susan Hayward) bathing on the roof, he knows he must have her.  There's one big problem, though: She is married...to one of David's best soldiers! When David and Bathsheba have an affair, the king tries to cover up his mistake...but, it isn't long until it catches up with him! What will become of David, once known as "a man after God's own heart"?

The Good: They don't make Bible movies like this much anymore.  Despite its age, this movie feels appropriately epic most of the time, and features wonderful performances by everyone, especially the two leads.  Flashback scenes featuring Samuel anointing David and the infamous battle with Goliath were a nice touch.  Even if you consider yourself a more modern film fan, you should give this a try!

The Bad: As good as this is, I did have one slight complaint: The actor who played Goliath was a bit over-the-top, in an almost cartoonish way.  Also, some Bible readers may take issue with the liberties the film takes with the original text...but, doesn't every flick based on the Word do that to a degree?

Content Concerns: Like many movies, this film features sex and violence...but, those are a big part of the original Biblical account.  The adult themes are handled with old-school decorum, but, this movie isn't kid stuff.

Conclusion: David and Bathsheba is by far the oldest movie I've reviewed on this site; still, just like the Bible itself, it stands the test of time.  Even if you were bored to death by Charlton Heston's Moses, you might enjoy this one, though it helps to be familiar with the original story.  Maybe I'm just a sucker for entertainment, but, I liked it nonetheless.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Road to Redemption"

Rated: PG for thematic elements and mild violent content
Starring: Julie Condra, Pat Hingle, Leo Rossi, and Jay Underwood
Released: February 16, 2001

Synopsis: Amanda Tucker (Julie Condra) is in quite the jam.  One unfortunate circumstance after another leaves her and her boyfriend (Jay Underwood, Not Quite Human) penniless, their house wrecked...and themselves a quarter million dollars in debt! Not sure what else to do, Amanda takes a road trip to meet her opulent long lost grandfather (Pat Hingle), who she hasn't seen since she was a kid.  When they first meet, he agrees to give her the money...as long as they go fishing at the same spot they did years ago, which is hundreds of miles away! With Amanda's debtor--who is part of the mob!--hot on their tail, it's going to take everything they've got to emerge victorious!
Produced by Billy Graham's World Wide Pictures.

The Good: I've seen other films sponsored by Billy Graham, but, this is the first one that was a comedy, and, I have to admit it was pretty funny.  While it did have its serious moments--and what flick doesn't?--some parts made me laugh out loud.  The message is one that more and more people need to take to heart these days.  All of the actors did very well, provided both the required silliness and maturity, depending on the scene.  The production values are on par with a similarly themed secular release.

The Bad: The only complaint I have is that the ending was a bit too pat, though that was undone slightly by a scene after the credits start...so, wait before you push that "Stop" button!

Content Concerns: I've said before that I won't do my usual listing for Christian-themed entertainment, so, here's what I'll say: Slapstick violence is quite present here, and the lead actress seems to be meant as eye candy, as she is seen in form-fitting tops quite often, and her midriff is seen a time or two.  (Spoiler Warning!) Some viewers may have a problem with how she comes to Jesus; she says a prayer to welcome Jesus into her heart, and no baptism is seen. (End Spoilers!)

Conclusion: Me and this movie have an interesting history: I first heard of it when I was at a Baptist church--I myself am not a Baptist, though I am a Christian--for my cousin's wedding in 2001, right around the time of its release; there was a big poster advertising it on one of the church's walls.  I went back and forth about seeing it, and have had it on DVD for quite a while, but just got around to watching it this past week.  Much like Moms' Night Out, this is a madcap comedy adventure that also features a dose of morality.  Fans of recent Christian cinema such as God's Not Dead or Fireproof should definitely check this old-school flick out; be prepared to laugh...and smile!

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Garage Sale Mystery"

Rated: TV-PG for violence
Starring: Lori Loughlin, Rick Ravanello, and Andrew Dunbar
Released: September 14, 2013

Synopsis: Jennifer Shannon (Lori Loughlin, Full House) has a knack for finding good buys at garage sales.  After attending one held by an old friend, she hears of a string of burglaries happening at homes that have held yard sales.  When Jennifer visits that friend, she finds her dead at the bottom of her stairs, and a priceless statue of hers gone.  At first, all signs point to an accident...but Jennifer's investigation shows evidence of foul play.  It's up to her and her detective friend to find the figurine...and the perpetrator.

The Good: The content of this film was rather clean; about the only objectionable thing was one misuse of God's name.  It's also great to see a movie that features garage sales; too many people ignore them, not realizing how much you can find at just one.  I liked the way the camera work showed how a "savvy shopper" spots a bargain.

The Bad: Three complaints, and rather big ones at that.  First off: While the movie appears to be based around garage sales, the actual murder could just as easily be in any episode of Monk or Murder, She Wrote; saying more than that could spoil the ending.  Second off: The plot thread of the detective dating Jennifer's daughter was unnecessary, and added nothing to the plot; did the writers just feel the need to add some romance? Lastly, a lack of closed captioning or English subtitles made some dialogue hard for me to understand, due to the ever-present congestion in my ears.  Deaf or hard-of hearing viewers will want to take note of that.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: One or two kisses; a husband and wife cuddling in bed. 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: One misuse of God's name. 4/5
• Violence: A woman is murdered; another woman is shot at, but not killed; a guy falls through a roof and sustains serious injuries.  None of it is bloody or graphic, though. 4/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Sequences: Along with the violence, seeing a woman lying there dead could be freaky for some viewers. 3/5
• Other: Buddha is referenced throughout. 4/5

Conclusion: Do I like garage sales? Yes.  Did I like this movie? Not so much.  Though the theme is great, mystery fans can do much better than this.  While it has its moments, this is definitely not what I was expecting.

Score: 2/5

Quickie DVD Review: "The Best of Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither: Volume One"

Rated: Not Rated
Starring: Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither
Released: May 4, 2004

Synopsis: For years, Bill Gaither has played straight man to comedian/singer Mark Lowry's crazy, hyper antics.  Now, you can see some of their greatest hits alongside Bill and Mark's account of how the entire act came to be! Whether Mark is sporting a Ricky Williams hairdo, handing out zany Christmas presents to the Homecoming Friends, or belting out his much-loved song "Mary, Did You Know?", this collection features him and Bill Gaither at their best!

My Review: I like Mark Lowry's comedy; I identify with him because he has a psychological condition as I do, albeit a different one (ADHD in his case, mild autism in mine).  While this DVD features some of the best moments he and Bill Gaither had on the Homecoming videos, most fans of the series have likely seen all this already, and probably own the videos from which they came.  Though the interview clips are nice, those alone don't make it worth purchasing.  Unless you find this super cheap at a garage sale, I can only suggest borrowing this from the library, your church, or a friend.

Content Concerns: Some people may have a problem with Mark Lowry's comedy, but, if you've seen the Gaither Homecoming videos before, you know what to expect.

Score: 2.5/5