Movie Review: "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior"

Rated: TV-PG (US); PG: "Not Recommended for Young Children, Violence" (Canada) Starring: Brenda Song, Shin Koyamoda, and Ellen Woglom Released: June 16, 2006 (Disney Channel Premiere); October 24, 2006 (DVD)

Synopsis: Wendy Wu is very excited; she knows she is a shoo-in for Homecoming Queen.  Out of nowhere, a guy claiming to be a Chinese monk named Shen arrives at her doorstep, and he believes her to be the Yin warrior, who will defeat the evil Yan Lo.  Wendy doesn't believe him, but Shen keeps following her around, weirding her and everyone else out.  Will Shen jeopardize her chances at becoming Homecoming Queen? Will Wendy be able to defeat Yan Lo?

WARNING! Possible spoilers below!

Story: 4/5
Disney Channel's telefilms usually have engaging yarns, and this one is no exception.  Though the plot is slightly contrived--how many times have we seen a movie where the entire planet is doomed if the hero/heroine fails?--the film makes it work.

Production Values: 5/5
The film really shines here.  The actors/actresses are all great, especially Brenda Song, whose character here is a far cry from the ditzy heiress she played on Suite Life.  When it comes to special effects, the film is good in that department, though they are nothing extraordinary.  Where the film rules are the fight scenes, which were amazingly choreographed and kept me glued to the screen.

Moral Content: 3.75/5
If I were the MPAA, I would rate this movie "PG for action violence and scary scenes."  In fact, I think that a more accurate TV rating would be "TV-Y7-FV"; that is, not for kids under the age of seven because of fantasy violence.  As is typical of kung fu films, there are plenty of hand-to-hand combat scenes, and it gets really intense towards the end.  Also, the main villain, Yan Lo, possesses various people and even Wendy's dog throughout the film, which might scare some kids.  Parents of young children might want to screen this before letting their kids watch it, though I doubt anyone over ten would be bothered by it.

Conclusion: Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior brings to mind everything from the old NES game Double Dragon to Saturday morning shows ranging from Jackie Chan Adventures to Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers.  It's actually a well-made, zany action/fantasy/comedy that proved to be quite entertaining; unfortunately, due to its age and little-known status, a DVD of this movie may prove to be hard to find.  If you see this film for rent anywhere, or even for sale at a cheap price, it would probably be worth it to pick up; I had to make a special request from my local library to get it.  I don't know that I would watch it again, but it made for ninety-one minutes well-spent.

Score: 4.25/5

Movie Review: "Gods and Generals"

Rated: PG-13 for sustained battle sequences Starring: Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, and Robert Duvall Released: February 21, 2003 (theatrical)

Synopsis: A sweeping epic charting the early years of the Civil War and how campaigns unfolded from Manassas to the Battle of Fredericksburg, this prequel to the film Gettysburg explores the motivations of the combatants and examines the lives of those who waited at home.
(From the DVD's Amazon.com page)

WARNING! The below sections may contain spoilers!
 
Story: 3.5/5
I'm not a history buff at all; in fact, I always considered social studies my worst subject.  Nonetheless, I found Gods and Generals to be not only an involving piece on history, but a portrait of the Christian faith.  (More on that later.)  Unfortunately, a sad, though likely historically accurate, ending, and a cliffhanger ending, along with a boring moment here and there, made this a bit imperfect.

Production Values: 5/5
Gods and Generals was obviously a big-budget production, and it shows.  The realism is everywhere, and at no point did I get the feeling that they were just actors on a set; it really takes you back in time.  I don't know what to say other than that.

Christian Content: 6/5
A new category? Yes, but Gods and Generals deserves a review in that department.  From the start until nearly the end, God, the Bible, and Christian faith are all portrayed in a positive light, which some might find surprising from a movie produced by Ted Turner.  Sometimes, I felt like I was watching a celluloid version of a Brock and Bodie Thoene novel.

Moral Content: 3/5
Gods and Generals was rated "PG-13" by the MPAA for "sustained battle sequences," and they are the main concern.  Though most of the war violence is neither bloody nor graphic, some of it is the former, and a little of it falls into the latter category.  There are also some dashes of profanity and alcohol consumption, though there is no nudity and sexual content is limited to kissing.  Also of note: A child dies of a sickness.

Conclusion: Anyone who thinks Hollywood in recent years is devoid of faith in God need look no further than Gods and Generals, which respectfully portrays Christians in an allegedly historically accurate setting.  Some of you may be thinking of Ted Turner's notorious declaration, "Christianity is for losers"; he may have said that, but his film says otherwise.  I doubt I will be watching this ever again--it was a bit of a grueling journey--but I have to say that it is one of the best history-themed flicks I have ever seen.

Score: 3.5/5

Movie Review: "Spy Kids 3: Game Over"

Rated: PG for action sequences and peril Starring: Daryl Sabara, Alexa Vega, and Ricardo Montalban Released: July 25, 2003 (theatrical) / February 24, 2004 (DVD)

DISCLAIMER: This review is of the 2-D edition available on the double-disc set.  I did not watch the 3-D version because not only did I buy the set used--therefore, no glasses--but 3-D flicks have previously given me headaches.

Synopsis:  The Spy Kids are back again! This time, their trademark action is combined with the very latest digital technology and the thrill of the 3-D experience to deliver a motion picture event that pushes family fun to the next level! Secret agents Juni (Daryl Sabara) and Carmen Cortez (Alexa Vega) set out on their most mind-blowing mission yet: a journey inside the virtual reality world of a 3-D video game where awe-inspiring graphics and creatures come dangerously to life! As they face escalating challenges through increasingly difficult levels of the game, the Spy Kids must rely on humor, high-tech gadgets, and the bonds of family in order to stop a power-hungry villain (Sylvester Stallone) set on controlling the youth of the world! Also featuring familiar faces Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, and Ricardo Montalban in an incredible all-star cast!
(From Amazon.com's page for the DVD, which seems to be taken from the back of the case)

Story: 2.5/5
Some of the criticism available elsewhere online says that Spy Kids 3: Game Over didn't have any story.  I disagree with that; it did...just not a great one.  The whole thing about a video game maker trying to take over the world by capturing all the planet's children is both creepy and ridiculous.  I doubt most gamers over the age of eight would be fooled by anyone promising them "riches enough for ten kings."  Though I didn't like the core plot, the themes of heroism, looking out for one another, friends being like family, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, etc., kept the entire yarn from being ruined.  Still, many video games, including some popular ones, don't have much of a story; for example, what made all the characters in Super Smash Bros. Melee decide to fight against each other? Even Nintendo can't answer that one.

Production Values: 3.5/5
Despite what some other critics said, I didn't notice any poor acting.  The majority of the film takes place in a video game world, which means that much of it is computer-generated.  Though it doesn't look realistic, it seemed to me that non-realism was the whole point; that didn't prevent it from being annoying at times, though.  Those who enjoyed gaming around the time this film was made would likely appreciate the visuals; however, others may not.  The scene after the closing credits, which showed Ms. Vega and Mr. Sabara in their original Spy Kids auditions, was awesome.

Moral Content: 3.75/5
This third Spy Kids outing was remarkably clean in many areas.  As bad as the language gets is "shut up"; there's nothing resembling sexual content, even when it comes to the young ladies' outfits; and no drug or alcohol use, as you'd expect.  However, the violence quotient is ramped up compared to the first two films in the series, and there's also an increase in frightening moments.  A set of monsters called the "Tinker Toys" look like little metal demons, and they're not the only scary thing you'll see.  Even the plot is a bit creepy, when you think about it.  Easily scared youngsters might want to stay away from this one.

Conclusion: I'm very late to the Spy Kids game; I didn't see the first movie in the series until late last year.  For some reason, I previously didn't care for Alexa Vega at all, though, to this day, I have no idea why.  Though the first two were great, this third flick is, while not terrible and definitely not among the worst films I've ever seen, the worst in the series so far.  Apparently, it was still a success, since they made a fourth flick; I just hope it's better than this one was.  If you've followed the series up to this point, you'll probably see it regardless of what anyone says; still, you probably should get it from the library or rental store before you shell out big bucks to buy it.

Score: 3.25/5

Movie Review: "Good Luck, Charlie: It's Christmas!"

Rated: TV-G Starring: Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Mia Talerico Released: December 2, 2011 (Disney Channel premiere) / December 6, 2011 (iTunes) / October 23, 2012 (Wal-Mart Exclusive DVD)

Synopsis: The Duncan family is planning on spending their holiday season away from home for the first time ever; they're heading to sunny Palm Springs, California, to meet mom Amy's parents.  Unfortunately, things end up going quite awry.  It all starts when oldest daughter Teddy volunteers to take another flight in hopes of getting a free plane ticket, which she plans to use for Spring Break.  Amy decides to go with her...only to find that all the flights are booked! Their journey takes them to small towns and even Las Vegas...but Amy isn't acting quite normal. Is she hiding something? Meanwhile, Amy's mom locks Mr. Duncan in a room for time-out, middle son P. J. is getting entirely too much sun, and Amy's dad is addicted to younger son Gabe's video game.  Can the Duncans have a Merry Christmas despite the craziness? Hang in there, baby!

Story: 4/5
You'd probably expect this to be an extended sitcom episode...and, for the most part, it is.  Though there is no laugh track, the set for the Duncan household is the same, and there are plenty of the usual hijinks.  However, it isn't all laughs and chuckles; a few poignant moments can be found.  The one problem I have with the story is the "big secret" that's revealed mid-movie.  Though I won't say what it is, I will say that most people over the age of 13 who watch this will see it coming a mile away.  Then again, maybe that's just because I'm late to the party, and was just introduced to Good Luck, Charlie in December of 2012, a full year after this movie premiered, with episodes that took place after this telefilm.

Production Values: 5/5
Disney Channel usually knows how to make a quality telefilm, and this is no exception.  Everything in this department--the acting, the sets, the filming, the English SDHs, etc.--is great.  Not much to say other than that.

Special Features: 0/5
Anyone who has been a student in a traditional school will tell you that, if you don't do an assignment, you get a zero.  Well, Good Luck, Charlie: It's Christmas! gets a zero in the special features department because it is completely devoid of them.  Other than the aforementioned English SDHs--which no one considers "special" anymore--there is nothing on the disc but the movie.  No foreign subtitles or dubbing; no deleted scenes; no music video for Bridgit Mendler's song that is featured during the opening credits; not even a menu screen or scene selection options.  When you put the disc in, the movie starts, and, as soon as the closing credits finish rolling, the movie starts all over again.  Apparently, Disney Channel really rushed the production of this one.

Moral Content: 4.5/5
Good Luck, Charlie: It's Christmas! was made for the Disney Channel, so you'd expect clean content, and that's what you'll get...for the most part.  Here are the slight complaints I have: Amy spends much of the first part of the movie being ill, which may gross out some viewers.  P. J. spends some time shirtless, and two nameless young women are seen in one-piece swimsuits that show quite a bit of legs and shoulders.  Gabe plays a video game that involves the usage of a gun, which could unsettle some people in light of recent violence.  A scene that involved a car literally breaking down might freak out those who have had traumatic experiences with automobile accidents.  You may say, "That's small potatoes!" I know; that's why I gave it a 4.5.

Conclusion: Disney Channel sitcoms are easy for me to like; they're funny, clean, current, and almost always have an attractive female lead.  Though Good Luck, Charlie is a great show--I've watched countless episodes on TV and via my Watch Disney Channel app on my iPad over the past three months or so--this movie still feels slightly lackluster.  Seriously, though every fan of the show should see Good Luck, Charlie: It's Christmas!, I can't imagine purchasing the DVD, even at a cheap price.  If you've seen it on TV, you've seen all you probably would want to see.  Unfortunately, it seems that this Yuletide movie is all the Good Luck, Charlie we'll get on DVD; still, your money would be better spent buying your favorite episodes from iTunes.

Score: 2.5/5

Book Review: "The Sanctuary" by Ted Dekker

Synopsis: Danny Hansen, a "vigilante priest," is trapped in a correctional institute in California for allegedly murdering two men.  Renee Gilmore, his significant other, gets a box with a cut-off finger delivered to her house, along with a message that says Danny is in danger.  Scared out of her mind, she contacts Keith, a former cop, to help her get to Danny before it's too late.  At first, Renee and Keith give in to "Sicko"'s demands...but, he goes too far when he asks them to kill someone.  Will they be able to save Danny?

Story: 5/5
Ted Dekker is a master writer, and this book proves it.  The novel makes a good point: When does "the law" go too far? Why is it now illegal to do what was considered "normal" in years past?  Add to that how gripping and involving The Sanctuary is, and it's a great yarn.

Writing: 5/5
Again, Ted Dekker does great here, as usual.  The narration, whether first-person or third-person, is wonderfully done, and the details are spot-on.


Moral Content: 2.5/5
Mr. Dekker may be a Christian author, but his books are edgier than, say, ones by Beverly Lewis and Karen Kingsbury.  Alongside a bit of sexual content--that is, rape and genitalia are discussed--there is extreme violence: some of it intense, a little of it bloody, and all of it creepy.  Drunkenness is also mentioned.  Those who are faint of heart and/or under the age of fifteen should avoid this one.

Conclusion: Ted Dekker has made a name for himself in the secular publishing world, something that has proved hard for other Christian authors.  Fans of his works will probably like this, but, you would have to read The Priest's Graveyard to understand some of it.  It's creepy and a bit extreme, but, by now, everyone knows to expect that from Mr. Dekker, whether or not they like his works.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Let It Shine"

Rated: TV-G Starring: Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, and Trevor Jackson Released: June 15, 2012 (Disney Channel premiere) / August 7, 2012 (DVD)

Synopsis: Cyrus DeBarge, a preacher's son, has serious hip-hop skills. Unfortunately, his father detests that genre of music, a local stage rapper makes Cyrus cower in fear, and Cyrus feels he doesn't have the looks or style to make it. When he submits a song to a contest sponsored by big-name artist Roxie, who happens to be a childhood friend, he includes a picture of him with his best buddy Kris. Upon meeting them, Roxie incorrectly believes that Kris is the one with the talent, not Cyrus. Cyrus helps his friend fake it, but will the truth ever come out? Will Cyrus get the recognition he deserves? By film's end, everyone will be in for at least one big surprise...

Story: 5/5
More than just a flimsy "follow your dreams" title, Let It Shine is a morality play.  The consequences of lying are shown.  A father learns to be more involved with his son, much like the protagonist of Courageous.  Being fake in the name of stardom is vilified.  All the while, I was entertained.  To me, that's a good story.

Production Values: 4.5/5
A musical isn't any good without well-produced musical numbers, right? Well, every song in here is great, if not amazing.  The rap battles are outstandingly done; they have to be seen to be believed.  The actors did really well, especially Brandon Mychal Smith as the antagonist, whose character was much different than the one he played in Sonny With a Chance.  The only thing that prevents it from getting a perfect score in this department is the closing, which features annoying outtakes while the credits roll.  You probably would want to push the "skip" button when those come up.

Moral Content: 5/5
No profanity! Zero sexual content, save for an occasional immodest outfit! Hardly anything even resembling violence! No drug use! Seriously, this is one of the cleanest movies I've seen in a while.  Better yet, the Christian faith is portrayed in a positive light! Some parents may quibble with the "rap battles," but the movie shows that they're simply for sport, and they're more innocent than the average "yo momma" joke.

Conclusion: How you would feel about Let It Shine hinges on two questions: Do you like rap music? Are you okay with contemporary Christian music? If you answered yes to both of those question, you would likely enjoy this movie; if hip-hop gives you a headache, and/or you believe the only Christian songs should be sans instruments, then this is not for you.  As someone who can enjoy the occasional rap tune, and as a long-time fan of Christian music, I find this kind of flick right up my alley.  Even those who have avoided previous Disney Channel movies should check this out; they'd likely be surprised, as was I.
A postscript: Some people have largely assumed that Christian faith has no place anywhere in Mickey Mouse Land, including on their cable network.  That's not true; years ago, CCM pop quintet Jump5 made it big on Radio Disney and had a song featured on Lizzie McGuire.  Around the same time, Superchic[k]'s "One Girl Revolution" was used as the theme song for Disney Channel's telefilm Cadet Kelly, which had the highest viewership of any DCOM up to that point.  Later on, the all-female rock trio Everlife also jammed on Radio Disney; I'm sure that very few people would have even guessed that they previously guest starred on ApologetiX's album Adam Up.  Even Wizards of Waverly Place and Camp Rock actress Maria Canals Barrera was featured in two issues of CCM Magazine.  Despite what some would have you believe, you can still find faith in Jesus on the Disney Channel; Let It Shine is perfect proof.

Score: 4.75/5

Movie Review: "Revelation"

Rated: PG-13 for violence Starring: Jeff Fahey, Nick Mancuso, and Carol Alt Released: 2000

Synopsis: Three months after his wife and daughter were among the millions who mysteriously vanished, counter-terrorism expert Thorold Stone is trying to discover what happened. Does the answer lie with the "true messiah" and his one-world government? A breathtaking climax will encourage you to examine your place in the battle between good and evil.
(From CDB's page for the DVD)

Story: 4/5
This part of the movie is hard to score.  On the one hand, it kept me glued to my seat the entire time, which is something no movie has done since I saw The Avengers in 3-D last summer.  However, I'm not really sure that the "end times" are going to happen like this; the whole theme seemed more like a SyFy channel telefilm than a Christian flick.  It does serve as a bit of a parable nonetheless, but don't go into this expecting the works of Jenkins and LaHaye.

Production Values: 5/5
Often, Christian-themed movies suffer from a low budget, which usually turns off some viewers.  However, poor special effects can be overpowered by a compelling story, as was the case with The Witches of Oz, which kept me up past midnight last August to see how it ended.  The good news about Revelation is that its production values match the grip of the plot.  Though Apocalypse, the first movie in the series, suffered from a eighties, made-for-TV-quality feel, this one seriously improves on that.

Moral Content: 2.5/5
If you thought Apocalypse was freaky, wait until you see this.  The "violence" the MPAA warned about includes everything from shootouts to an arson attempt to cruelty to an innocent animal to a guy slicing his bare chest with a conch shell to even a near beheading.  None of it is graphic, but there is some blood, and all of it is quite creepy, as are some nonviolent scenes.  Elsewhere, there is a "bombshell" female character who is seen wearing a bare-midriff top, and a guy makes lecherous taunts at her.  There is also one mild profanity.  Though I feel that the rating is right, I would make the content advisory "violence, frightening sequences, brief language, and occasional off-color dialogue".

Conclusion: When I randomly decided to see The Great Buck Howard a few years ago, my thoughts as the credits rolled were, "I've never seen anything like that!"  I hadn't felt like that since...until tonight, when I watched Revelation.  I'm not sure that it would exactly qualify as a Christian movie; though it has Biblical elements, so do some secular films, such as Knowing and the first Mission: Impossible.  Still, for those who enjoy a well-made and gripping, if strange, celluloid yarn, this is for you.

Score: 3.75/5