Follow the Light

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David is its own underdog story. It was an animated Biblical musical theatrically released in an already crowded Christmas season. Like The King of Kings (2025), my mother, brother, and I wanted to support the next family film from Angel Studios. Even though Angel Studios has been making questionable business decisions, they’re still a good source for Christian content. David is a feature length continuation of the 2023 miniseries Young David by South African director Phil Cunningham. The computer animation is crisp and surprisingly magnificent for an independent studio. I wasn’t sure about it being a musical, but songs are just as good as anything from Disney. “Follow the Light” is the one that stood out to me the most.

The voice cast is mostly composed of Christian singers like Phil Wickham as David. Though I haven’t followed his story as closely as Jesus, King David is a key figure in the Bible who was a man after God’s own heart. Before he was the anointed King of Israel, David was a humble shepherd and talented lyre player with an unwavering faith in God. He watches over his herd of sheep and protects them from a lion while continuing to show compassion. David is the son of Jesse and his caring mother Nitzevet. Zeruiah is David’s precocious younger sister who provides levity along with his other brothers aside from older brother Eliab who fights for King Saul. Although the prophet Samuel anointed the king, he turns to David when Saul loses favor with God. The film depicts David soothing Saul with his music and his friendship with Jonathan.

Of course I eagerly anticipated their depiction of David vs. Goliath. As the Philistines threaten Israel, King Achish introduces their champion. Only in animation can they pull off the enormity of Goliath as a literal giant. David puts his trust in God as he finds the right stone and swings his sling with a perfect shot to the head. Despite having a PG rating, I knew they wouldn’t show the beheading or battle that followed. David fights in Saul’s army and never takes the throne by force. Not even when Saul turns on him. Although the Amalekites capture the Israelites, David proves himself as their king without lifting a sword. It’s best they leave out his marriage to Bathsheba as they want to keep things kid friendly. Either way, David is a worthy animated Bible story for younger Christians.

David finds a stone

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

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Light of the World is what the Gospel would look like from the perspective of a young follower. Happy Easter everyone! As a Christian, I’m always looking out for good Biblical movies. I wouldn’t have known about Light of the World if I hadn’t seen The Chosen and The King of Kings in theaters. Unlike the latter, Light of the World isn’t computer animated and doesn’t feature an all-star voice cast from a known Christian studio. It’s traditionally animated with a lesser known Canadian voice cast from a more independent Christian studio. The King of Kings was released around Easter, but Light of the World was released in early September. At first I wondered why it wasn’t released in a more holy week, but I think it was trying to give audiences an alternative to all the early horror movies. I knew it was the best movie for my mom, my brother, and I.

Similar to The Prince of Egypt, I really appreciated the use of traditional animation. Light of the World is like a children’s storybook that begins with the story of creation told by Salome, mother of James and John. Their father Zebedee doubts, but Salome reassures her children that the messiah has arrived. Though I value the movies equally, The King of Kings spent more time telling the greatest story ever told than living it. Light of the World may simplify the story, but it’s better to focus on the perspective of John the Apostle as a young boy. Though John is weaker, he does the best he can for his family. John unknowingly meets a friendly and humble Jesus as a carpenter before his reveal. Aside from Andrew and Peter, the rest of the Disciples arrive all at once with Judas showing his greed upfront. Mary Magdalene is healed right in front of them and Matthew drops his tax collection to follow them.

Most of the humor comes from John the Baptizer eating locusts. Although I spent most of the time being emotional with every miracle. Jesus’ arrival was particularly beautiful with the voice of God. Jesus turns water into wine, multiplies fish, heals the sick, and walks on water in a visually distinct way. It was particularly heartwarming to see a Roman and the Pharisees understand the truth. Except for Caiaphas who’s introduced like a Disney villain. Not everything is depicted, but Jesus’ purpose weighs heavily on him as he enters Jerusalum. He tries to help John understand in the Garden of Gethsemane before his betrayal. The Crucifixion is toned down, but not sugarcoated either. Mother Mary weeping for her son always gets me, but I was already crying by this point. Ending with the Resurrection and Ascension was the best way to bring light into the world. Light of the World is an altogether worthy and wonderful story of Jesus for kids.

John meets Jesus

Our God is an Awesome God

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A Week Away is Camp Rock for Christians. As a Christian who loves romantic teen musicals, A Week Away was just right for me. Though I’m shocked that it was distributed by the not at all faith-based Netflix. A Week Away is certainly accessible to mainstream audiences (with more pop culture references than I was expecting), but it never strays away from its Christian morals. It’s honestly refreshing to see a wholesome teen movie not made by Disney. Even though Kevin Quinn got his start on the Disney Channel. Will Hawkins is a typical juvenile delinquent. Like Holes, he has to choose between juvie and summer camp.

Little does he know, Camp Aweegaway is a church camp. Although Will believes in God, he’s angry about losing both his parents. George is Will’s nerdy black friend who tells him all about the camp and reluctantly keeps his troubled past a secret. Sherri Shepard and David Koechner are the biggest adult actors in the cast who play camp counselors. Shepard is George’s mother who fosters Will for a week. Koechner is the movie obsessed father of Will’s love interest. The adorable Bailee Madison sings her heart out as the overachieving Avery. Avery is skeptical of Will at first, but their innocent romance blossoms when she talks about her deceased mother and wishing she didn’t have to be perfect.

Though her faith is unwavering when she sings “Awesome God” and “God Only Knows” with Will. The songs are upbeat and energetic, but I wasn’t familiar with every preexisting Christian song. As much as I loved the central romance, I was also rooting for George and Avery’s equally nerdy friend Presley. Like most camp movies, there’s a competition between teams led by the closest thing the film has to a bully. Though Sean’s only sin is trying too hard to be a humanitarian and exposing Will. Avery chases him when he tries to run away again, and it’s enough to convince him of how blessed he is. A Week Away can’t avoid being cheesy, but it’s a fun way to sing the praises of God.

Will and Avery dance together

The Holy Trinity

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The Shack is open to interpretation. Christian author William P. Young originally wrote The Shack for his children, but his wife encouraged him to publish it. Although the 2007 novel was a bestseller, it drew a polarizing response from religious readers. The 2017 film had a similar reaction despite being a box office success. As a Christian, I can accept that Young’s depiction of the Holy Trinity is purely abstract and not meant to be an accurate Biblical portrayal. As long as the message is sincere, I can overlook the movie’s unnecessary 2 hour & 12 minute runtime. The cast is quite respectable for a Christian film. Sam Worthington plays Mackenzie “Mack” Philips who was raised in an abusive household at the hands of his drunk father. Mack grew up to be a much better husband and father to three children. Radha Mitchell is Mack’s faithful wife Nan who refers to God as “Papa.”

His youngest daughter Missy is equally faithful but she asks a lot of questions when Mack takes the kids on a camping trip. I expected a tragedy that seems to be a canoe accident. Sadly, Missy is the one who goes missing and is presumed killed by an unseen serial killer. Mack is overcome by a great sadness that affects his faith. Gage Munroe plays his son Josh who was underwater when Missy was abducted and Megan Charpentier plays his oldest daughter Kate who feels guilty for rocking the boat. Country singer Tim McGraw contributed to the soundtrack, but he also plays a good neighbor who tries to help him through his grief. Mack receives a letter from Papa around winter and he follows the invitation to the shack where he lost his daughter. The Shack is beautifully shot when the titular location is transformed into a lush garden paradise. Most of the controversy comes from a physical manifestation of the Holy Trinity that helps to restore Mack’s faith. Octavia Spencer is a black female depiction of God the Father who is mostly referred to as Papa.

Spencer is a loving parental figure who makes the unorthodox depiction work because Mack has trouble trusting a father. The Middle Eastern Abraham Aviv Alush plays God the Son who is explicitly referred to as Jesus Christ. Though modernized, Jesus is still a charismatic carpenter who teaches Mack how to walk on water. The Asian Sumire is a unique human equivalent of God the Holy Spirit referred to as Sarayu. Though she helps Mack by collecting his tears and tending to a garden that represents his troubled soul. The Hispanic Alice Braga is even more abstract as Sophia who represents God’s wisdom. She shows Mack what it’s like to judge others by using his kids as an example. Mack sees his daughter in Heaven and sees his father who asks for forgiveness. The Native American Graham Greene actually plays a male version of Papa when Mack needs to forgive his enemy. Though I’m not sure if every lesson is properly conveyed, The Shack is an emotional experience that will reach whoever needs to hear it.

Mack stands with the Holy Trinity

The Joys of Transparenthood

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Ghost Dad is so bad it’s scary. It’s hard to believe Bill Cosby made not one, but two notoriously terrible movies in a row. Unlike Leonard Part 6, Ghost Dad didn’t receive any Razzie nominations. Though it was still a box office bomb with a 6% on Rotten Tomatoes. At least we had Ghost to look forward to a month later. Sadly, Ghost Dad was the final film directed by the great Sidney Poitier who couldn’t recapture the success of the Uptown Saturday Night trilogy. I’m not sure what possessed them to make a movie that was dead on arrival, but the story was originally offered to director John Badham and comedian Steve Martin. Cosby once again fails to be funny as an unlikable workaholic father who neglects his kids.

Elliot Hopper is a widower who cares more about getting a promotion. Along with his eager neighbor Joan played by frequent collaborator Denise Nicholas. Kimberly Russell is Elliot’s oldest daughter Diane who looks after her younger brother Danny and sister Amanda. The latter was surprisingly nominated for a Young Artist Award despite the movie’s quality. Omar Gooding was among the nominees as the rich neighbor kid who looks like Urkel. Christine Ebersole plays Elliot’s secretary and Barry Corbin plays his hotheaded boss who wants him to close a deal. The foreshadowing of Elliot’s death is very obnoxious until he’s randomly killed by a deranged cab driving devil worshiper played by Raynor Scheine. When Elliot becomes a ghost, he passes through objects and floats around. The effects are cheesy and the rules don’t always make sense.

For some reason, he can only be seen in a dark room and heard when he concentrates really hard. Elliot is summoned by a London paranormal researcher played by Ian Bannen in a thankless role. Aside from having the stupid name Sir Edith Moser, he gives a vague reason why Elliot can’t cross over. Like a lazy rip-off of Beetlejuice. Despite being a ghost dad, Elliot continues to go to work and be a father from beyond the grave. He ends up ripping-off the Invisible Man by dressing up like him during the day. Elliot helps Danny with his magic act and scares off a punk played by Dana Ashbrook the same year as Twin Peaks. Diane isn’t grateful for her father, but they connect when she becomes a ghost as well. They both get to live when they realize he’s only mostly dead. Ghost Dad is a mess for all involved.

Elliot goes through a bus

Meat Your Match

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Leonard Part 6 is worse than Leonard Part 1–5 combined… April Fools! The woefully stupid joke of the movie is that it’s not a sequel at all. The misleading title only sounds like the sixth installment in a long-running spy franchise. Leonard Part 6 is one of the worst movies ever made that can be entirely blamed on Bill Cosby. It was his first film since the success of The Cosby Show, so he clearly felt like he could do whatever he wanted. Despite writing the story, producing, and starring, Cosby disowned Leonard Part 6 before it was even released. It bombed with a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes and 5 Razzie nominations. Leonard Part 6 won Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and Worst Screenplay. Cosby accepted all of the awards that he demanded to be gold.

Razzie nominated director Paul Weiland is one of many people on set that failed to convince Cosby of how unfunny he was in the movie. Leonard Parker is supposed to be a world famous spy who retired as a wealthy restaurant owner. Respected English actor Tom Courtenay is Leonard’s butler Frayn who has the thankless job of explaining the nonsensical plot. Leonard is targeted in a ridiculous kitchen hit job that was orchestrated by his former CIA boss Nick Snyderburn played by Joe Don Baker. I think Leonard Part 6 is supposed to be a parody of spy movies, but Cosby is taking it far too seriously. His wife Allison left him after she caught him with a 19 year old *ahem*. Victoria Rowell is no better as his 20 year old daughter Joan who wants to marry the 66 year old Giorgio played by Moses Gunn.

She wants to be a stage actress and she goes so far as to strip naked in front of her parents. Allison dumping food on Leonard is one of the more disgusting running gags. The Razzie nominated Gloria Foster has the most embarrassing role as an evil vegetarian who mind controls animals to attack people. Medusa Johnson is a lame wannabe Bond villain with vegetarian henchmen dressed like animals. Leonard drives a tank and wears a goofy grey costume equipped with spy gear. For some reason, he consults fortune teller Nurse Carvalho who gives him magic meat to kill the vegetarians. Cosby waving a hot dog around and flying on an ostrich is the final insult of an awful movie, but at least the chart-topping song “Without You” is good. Leonard Part 6 is bad all on its own.

Leonard fights a bird

6 Months in Toys “R” Us

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Roofman is so unbelievable it has to be true. Although the “Roofman” was active in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, I somehow never heard of him until the movie was released. Jeffery Manchester was a criminal who robbed over 40 McDonald’s fast food restaurants until he was arrested, escaped prison, and managed to hide out in Toys “R” Us for several months. Despite its R rating, Roofman is product placement done right. Even though it was unavoidable in Manchester’s story. Although the trailer plays up the absurdity of what actually happened, it does make the movie look funnier than it actually is. It’s about as serious as any other Derek Cianfrance directed film, but Channing Tatum is a charismatic lead who gets a few laughs. Manchester was surprisingly nice to the McDonald’s employees that he stuck in the freezer after dropping in from the roof.

Tony Revolori is especially funny as a manager who Manchester lends his coat to. Jeffery is a divorced father of three who was once in the Army, but struggles to buy his daughter what she wants. LaKeith Stanfield is his best friend Steve from the Army who inadvertently inspires him to use his powers of observation for crime. Melanie Diaz plays his ex-wife Talana who breaks all contact when he gets arrested. Several real life people from the case have cameos in the movie, including the truck driver who unknowingly helped Manchester escape jail. I felt especially nostalgic when Jeffery reached Toys “R” Us, because their attention to detail is flawless. He somehow managed to disable the security cameras, set up his own surveillance cameras, and hide inside a protective bicycle barrier. Though he does have to live on Peanut M&M’s and bathe in the sink.

Peter Dinklage has a refreshingly normal role as the difficult store manager Mitch who picks on the lowly Otis played by Emory Cohen. Attractive single mother Leigh Wainscott catches Jeffery’s attention when she tries to get toys for a church toy drive. Kirsten Dunst is one of several Marvel actors in the cast including Ben Mendelsohn as the welcoming Pastor Ron Smith. Uzo Aduba plays his wife Eileen who invites “John Zorn” to a singles meeting at Red Lobster. Tatum and Dunst have great chemistry when Leigh casually initiates a relationship without knowing much about him. He claims to have a secret government job, but he really makes money by pawning video games that he steals from Toys “R” Us.

Another funny scene is Mitch catching Jeffery naked in the store. Juno Temple plays Steve’s girlfriend Michelle who takes a message when he’s away. As his only contact, Steve manages to pull together a fake identity for Jeffery. Though he starts to love his new life and bonds with Leigh’s daughters. Dee accepts him right away, but her teenage daughter Lindsay doesn’t warm up to him until he teaches her how to drive in a crazy scene where he speeds down the street with Jimmy O. Yang as an angry used-car salesman. Jeffery goes too far when he breaks into a shop to get a gun, tries to rob Toys “R” Us, and sets fire to a dentist office to cover his tracks. Molly Price plays the police officer who ultimately arrests him for the second time and it’s surprisingly bittersweet. Roofman managed to humanize a desperate criminal.

Jeffrey hides out in Toys “R” Us

The Wal-Mart Baby

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Where the Heart Is is a heartfelt Walmart commercial. Although I was 4 when the movie came out, I somehow never heard of it until I came across clips online. Where the Heart Is is based on a 1995 bestselling novel by Billie Letts about a pregnant teenager who gives birth inside Walmart. I’m surprised Walmart agreed to the use of their store’s name, but I guess it was free publicity. Where the Heart Is is a lot better than critics gave it credit for. It helps to have a fresh-faced Natalie Portman as the 17 year old Novalee Nation. Novalee is a sweetheart who deserves more than she’s given. Her only quirk is a deep-seated aversion to the number 5 that brings her bad luck. Dylan Bruno plays her deadbeat boyfriend Willy Jack Pickens who I hated the moment he abandons the pregnant Novalee at a Sequoya, Oklahoma Walmart.

I was genuinely mad that they kept cutting back to him, but at least he gets arrested for an unrelated case. Novalee has no choice but to live inside Walmart without getting caught. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s more common than you might expect. Novalee becomes famous when she gives birth to her oddly named daughter Americus Nation. Sally Field has an unexpected appearance as her absentee mother Mama Lil using her Forrest Gump accent. Unlike Mama Gump, Novalee’s mother is an awful person who steals her daughter’s money. Where the Heart Is is about found family that she finds in Sequoya. Stockard Channing plays the deeply religious Sister Husband who gives Novalee a buckeye tree and a home for her baby. Like Novalee, Sister is an unmarried woman who lives with Mr. Sprock, and it attracts unwanted attention. Novalee is offered a job at Walmart, but she also becomes a photographer thanks to her mentor Moses Whitecotton played by Kieth David.

Ashley Judd is a frequent scene stealer as Novalee’s best friend Lexie Coop who met her as a nurse and has 4-5 kids named after desserts. Though her trouble finding a man is lighthearted at first, it takes a dark turn when one of them attacks her. Thankfully, she does find happiness in the end. A tornado is another tragedy that Novalee deals with while Willy Jack finds success as a country singer named Billy Shadow by his abrasive agent Ruth Meyers played by Joan Cusack. Novalee ends up finding a real father in the tense intellectual librarian Forney Hull who broke into Walmart to help deliver her baby. James Frain loosens up as the story goes on with Forney really caring about Americus. Though he also looks after his sick sister Mary Elizabeth. Novalee doesn’t think she’s good enough for Forney, but she comes to her senses when she receives unexpected closure from Willy Jack. Where the Heart Is shows that it takes a village.

Novalee in Wal-Mart

Bryce and Juli Sitting in a Tree

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Flipped is all about young love. Though director Rob Reiner was past his glory days, Flipped earned a cult following despite mixed reviews. I distinctly remember seeing the trailer in theaters, and thinking it was an odd film for Reiner. He hadn’t adapted a coming-of-age novel since Stand by Me, but Flipped couldn’t be more different. Young adult author Wendelin Van Draanen set the 2001 book in the early 2000’s. Reiner sets the movie in the early 60’s; I assume he wanted to emulate his own childhood. Though I think the retro setting works better for this kind of romance. No matter how old you are, everyone can relate to a first crush. Bryce Loski is an all-American boy who moves into a neighborhood where a girl won’t leave him alone. Julianna “Juli” Baker is the cute girl next door who really likes him.

Flipped stands out thanks to the titular plot structure where we see the flipped perspective of what Bryce and Juli really think of each other. It’s not a problem for a book to constantly shift points-of-view, but it can get repetitive for a movie to rely on narration. Even though it’s the best way to get to know the characters. Like many boys his age, Bryce tries to avoid Juli every chance he gets. Callan McAuliffe is awkwardly charming. Morgan Lily briefly plays the younger Juli, but Madeline Carroll is a sweetheart that Bryce is crazy not to like. Juli is smart and considerate with a deep love for a sycamore tree that she desperately tries to save before it gets chopped down. A young Israel Broussard is Bryce’s rotten friend Garrett who makes him question his feelings for her. Bryce’s family isn’t much better with Anthony Edwards playing his father who’s a judgmental jerk that bad mouths the Baker’s unkempt lawn. Rebecca De Mornay plays his mother who feels sorry for them and Cody Horn plays their rebellious daughter Lynetta who hangs with their two sons. Shane Baker and Michael Bolten play Juli’s brothers who have a band.

Penelope Ann Miller is their mother who has to work extra jobs. Aidan Quinn is a loving father to Juli who paints for her and gives her advice about Bryce. After a frustrating egg incident that makes Juli question her feelings for Bryce, his grandfather Chet Duncan ends up being the best character when he offers to help fix up her lawn. Though it was sadly John Mahoney’s final film role, he’s the one who defends the Baker family and encourages Bryce to give Juli a chance. Though I didn’t expect her father’s mentally disabled brother to be the reason they have money problems. Kevin Weisman plays her Uncle Daniel who can feel a little over-the-top. The amount of swearing and family drama can be a bit jarring. Though Bryce finally starts to like Juli, he doesn’t defend her when it really counts. An awkward family dinner and basket boy charity auction lead to an embarrassing almost kiss from Bryce. Juli has every reason to run away, but he really earns her affection with a sweet gesture. Flipped is a cute little love story that deserves a reevaluation.

Juli looks into Bryce’s eyes

Find the Joy in Your Life

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The Bucket List is worth checking off director Rob Reiner’s list of films. Even though it drew polarizing reviews from critics. It’s hard to get laughs out of two men with terminal cancer. I was surprised to learn the term “bucket list” was created by screenwriter Justin Zackham. Though the idea of writing a list of things to do before you die has existed before the term was popularized. In spite of the depressing premise, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are an iconic duo of legendary Oscar winners that act their hearts out. Both actors lean into their strengths. Freeman is a wise narrator who leads with faith and Nicholson is a smug but likable ladies man.

Carter Chambers is a family man who works as a mechanic and knows so many useless facts that he always wins Jeopardy! Edward Cole is a billionaire who loves the expensive kopi luwak coffee and owns the hospital where he meets Carter. There’s nothing fun about them suffering through treatments, but they do end up having fun when they leave the hospital to complete their “bucket list.” They start off simply with skydiving and getting a tattoo, but Edward is so rich that they’re able to drive vintage cars at California Speedway. As well as traveling to the North Pole, dining at Chevre d’or in France, seeing the Taj Mahal, motorcycling through the Great Wall of China, attending an African safari, and connecting atop the Egyptian Pyramids.

Beverly Todd plays Carter’s wife Virginia who is understandably frustrated with him leaving instead of seeking treatment. Sean Hayes is the only one by Edward’s side as his long-suffering assistant Matthew that he intentionally calls Tommy. He was married four times and has an estranged daughter. When they fail to reach Mount Everest, Edward tests Carter’s faithfulness to his wife with a woman in Hong Kong. It’s enough to strengthen his marriage, but Edward refuses to see his daughter when Carter sets it up. Though I agree with Carter’s message of finding joy, not everyone is going to change for the better like Edward finally does at the end. That being said, the emotional completion of the list was enough to make me cry. The Bucket List is a mixed bag with plenty of heart.

Carter and Edward sit on the Pyramids