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Reviews
What Maisie Knew (2012)
A Vivid Insight on Today's Domestic Circumstances
I've had a copy of this film since last year but never tried to purposely watch it on our movie time. I thought of it at first to be a mediocre family drama, but it turned out to be an excellently narrated heart-breaking story of a kind-hearted young girl who's tossed around amid the relationship crisis of her unmarried parents.
The film was translated into modern time setting from a book written in 1896 by Henry James depicting irresponsible parents. The actors equally delivered great performances, including Joanna Vanderham who I think deserves an applause for her supporting role.
What Maisie Knew, gives a fresh reflection about the importance of families, the togetherness and presence of both parents in rearing their child, and the innocent and disturbed thoughts of a girl who is caught up in an unfortunate situation. It can stir up emotion and awaken a person's inner heart of its capability to truly love and care. Several times, there were scenes that can bring the viewer to the edge of his emotion and blame the parents' stupidity and immaturity.
Interestingly, the bleak possibility of the young girl's longing for the companionship of her parents seems to have been saved through the care of her parent's new spouses who got mixed up in the situation and were forced to look out for her.
Grace Unplugged (2013)
Worthy Piece of Treasure in the Faith-based Films
The film is about a Christian teenager's pursuit of her own dreams in her own way. As Grace turned 18, she got tired with the tight discipline and ways of her dad making her feel suffocated. Wanting to pursue her own dream of becoming a famous singer herself, she presented a demo of her dad's famous old hit to her dad's former manager. A chance eventually opened up bringing her into the chaotic world of the secular music industry in Hollywood, and challenging her to choose between pleasing God or pursuing her own dream in her own way.
The story has a common plot. There are really no surprising twists, creative transitions or unpredictable scenes, but what makes it great is that such Christian films are rare. Besides, the story doesn't seem dragging. Moreover, the actress and actors were great. The acting was natural and does not seem forced. It was also surprising to see James Denton (the father) who formerly was from desperate housewives; Jamie Grace – a Dove awarded singer, songwriter and musician; Kevin Pollak – a veteran actor; and a cameo by Chris Tomlin and Pia Toscano – an American idol season 10 top7.
It is indeed a nice film for every contemporary Christian musician. It is encouraging and inspiring even to those who want to try to write songs. It is also informative and reveals some of the realities that not everyone knew about what it is to be in the industry. The songs are also great and the fact that AJ Michalka is a real singer adds value to the integrity of the film. The film may seem like a cliché but there are classic lessons that parents and daughters/sons must never forget.
War Room (2015)
One of the best faith-based Films
War Room portrays an ideal situation where the hand of God is at real work with people of obedience. It delivers a riveting story that lets Christian viewers leave the theater with misty eyes. It simply narrates the family's struggles and resolutions to become a real happy family amid parenting, career and marriage crisis. Any Christian audience who is expectant and is serious in looking out for new things to learn will not be disappointed. There are various practical things that one can learn from the simple real-life examples that seem to be spontaneously intertwined.
The film delivers a clear message about the importance of prayer in a Christian's battle in the spiritual realm, and though the film primarily tried to focus on prayer as its main theme, it somehow depicted ordinary circumstances in a Christian's life where one can pick lessons to apply or improve in his own life.
Except for a few plot holes where some scenes seem too quick to occur, the film undeniably reveals a great improvement in the motion picture production of Christian films that portray strong Christian faith and values. War Room may reasonably appear unappealing and lackluster to the secular audience, but the Kendrick brothers did way greater than many famous secular films.