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Reviews
The Forgotten (2004)
please look beneath the surface
I'm always puzzled when reviewers (especially well-known ones) act like they know why a film was made, what the producers' intentions were, etc. Without knowing the producers and speaking with them, how could anyone know for sure? The same reviewers, if they were reviewing a "fairy tale children's book, would approach it by trying to see an "underlying message." But when reviewing a modern film, they take everything at face value, and call the story "preposterous" if it doesn't fit within their pre-conceived notions of "reality." (Aren't all fairy tales "preposterous?") When I experience an piece of fiction (film, book, play, etc.), my attitude is, "No matter what the intentions of the artists/directors/producers, there is always an alternate 'purpose' or message for the film." I believe in God, and I believe He is the ultimate "producer" of all art. The producers and actors are merely instruments. Films are stories, and God will use stories to "get through to people" regarding the issues of life.
What I got from this film--in this day and age--is that people are what's important. Children are important. People are putting their careers ahead of children. Women, deep down inside, really want the "simple things" in life; they don't necessarily "want it all," contrary to what advertising has fed them. People are saying that babies in the womb are not real people (just "blobs," or "tissue"). This movie says they are real people (hence numerous flashbacks to main character saying "I have life inside me"). Bottom line for me: This movie is a wake-up call. We have our priorities wrong. The world is going to hell in a hand basket, and people don't realize it. Stop and smell the roses. Pay attention to your children. Stop being selfish. This world is here for a reason, not just for your momentary pleasure. Start asking questions. Why are we here? What is this world all about?
Waterproof (2000)
Wonderful
I disagree with the people here who said the Christian message was too bold. It fit right in with the story; some people in this world really do live their faith and take it seriously. This movie is about real people with real struggles. This is not fluff. The church scenes sent shivers down my spine, and I cried at the end. The soundtrack is beautiful. This is the kind of movie that should be nominated for an Oscar. But of course it's too subtle for the average movie-goer I guess (not violent or sexy enough).