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Reviews
Grace Unplugged (2013)
A movie for those who need more than a patent Hollywood story
This is a story about how people who live in flyover country are forced into the Hollywood box, by the media constantly force-feeding everyone through movies, music, videos, etc. And how that forms our definition of success. More specifically, it's how one can have their faith challenged by trying to fit into the world's mold. It may not have the best photography or a complex storyline that some may be looking for, but it may be one of the best faith-based stories I've seen in a while. It's no secret that Hollywood shies away from stories like this--had they embraced it, it may have had better photogenic qualities, etc. But then again, Hollywood would have put their "stamp" on it, so this is probably the best outcome. This is the story of how Miley Cyrus and her dad should have ended up, but unfortunately not so much. If you're looking for lots of swearing, things blowing up, and nakedness, then look elsewhere. Want a little challenge to your own faith, a little bit of drama that makes you feel good? Then this is for you.
Red Dawn (2012)
Great movie! Don't listen to the naysayers...
Okay--here's the deal. This is a good movie.
All the reviews I've seen so far that are negative are from people who are critics, think they are critics, or aspire to be one someday. In fact some of the reviews I have seen admit to not even seeing the movie yet (really?) I am not one of those--just someone who likes movies, and I actually saw this one. In fact I paid for six tickets to take my family (all of us are adults) to this movie, and feel I got my money's worth.
The basics--you will like this if: -you saw the first one and liked the "concept" -the trailer looked good to you--it delivers on the trailer -you don't mind a few changes in location, etc from the original -you like the action/suspense genre -if you don't mind a little cheering for the "good guys" -you are looking for some enjoyment or a little escape from reality -you don't think you are a critic
You won't like this: -if you are, or think you are a movie critic -your biggest worry is camera angles or other movie speak -if you are looking for a movie to solve world hunger, etc.-if you have an agenda that has nothing to do with this movie -if you can't bear seeing communism "vilified" -if guns, bombs, or Marines scare you -you are expecting a documentary
Go enjoy the movie! (Unless you're a critic...)
Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike (2012)
A good version of Part II
Like some others who have reviewed Atlas Shrugged II, I wanted to see my version of what I read in the book and envisioned. Although there were a few things I would have liked to see covered more thoroughly, I realize that realistically it's not possible to cover a book that is over 1,000 pages in paperback in three movies.
I was a little put off at first by the change in actors that played the main characters (as opposed to Part I), but they had me won over pretty quickly. The Dagny character was possibly a little more of what I had envisioned her to be than the first movie. Although it seems to be a good practice not to compare a book to a movie inspired by the book, I'm not sure how you divorce this book and this series of movies.
The expectations are extremely high for this movie series, as millions of people have read this book, and for many it has changed their life view. They are not looking for incredible special effects, just ones that convey the idea of what happened--in that strain, I think they delivered. The book is about a set of ideas (as opposed to ideals) that can and should change the way the reader thinks about government, religion, people, and their interactions.
The only downfall to this movie is the characters and plot are hard for someone who has not read the book to understand, as are some of the themes. I have had someone who has not read the book at both movies and that was one of their major complaints, as I had to explain in several parts in each movie, part I and II, what was going on. Overall a great movie, and will be a part of my DVD collection.