WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? (2010) DVD

Wow-it feels so good to just walk into the DVD store and find a Christian movie on the shelf!  I usually think, if John Schneider is in a film these days, chances are it's a pretty good one. And this movie definitely didn't disappoint!
 
This film was inspired by a Christian book by Charles M. Sheldon called, "In His Steps". (which comes with the DVD as digital download for an E-Book). Mr.Sheldon wrote this book back in 1896. This book has actually changed lives! The novel had been translated into 21 languages by 1935. As it celebrated it's one hundredth anniversary of its publication in 1996, experts had ranked it as the tenth-most read book of the world. The phrase: "What would Jesus do?" abbreviated as WWJD became popular in the United States in the 1990's; hence the WWJD bracelets were started. These initials also had an alternative meaning: "Walk with Jesus Daily".
 

Imagine capturing every thought and asking yourself: "What would Jesus do?". I know this saying has been around a long time, but we need reminders of this and that is exactly what this film delivers. It reminds us and also allows us to view what it looks like with actions behind it.
 
This movie is about four individuals: a Minister, who has lost his faith, a singer, a newspaper editor and a wealthy philanthropist. A drifter comes to their town and forces them to look at themselves truthfully and ask the question: Is this what Jesus would be doing in the same situations? The changes are life-altering for all four of them and also for their town. They experience God's strength in the strain of their struggles. I found the domino effect in this small town so exciting to watch! It was contagious: united in Jesus as individuals and also as a community. Of course they had some nay sayers, as in the world, but Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecute Me, they will persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also."
  
There are two beautiful songs in this movie: "What Would Jesus Do?" and "Help a Brother Out?" They were wonderfully performed by Adam Gregory, the Country singer (who also plays the singer looking for fame and fortune in the movie.) He has a wonderful deep, resonant singing voice.
 
Needless to say I love this Inspirational Christian movie and the message it brings. 
 

Philippians 2:2-5: "..fulfill my joy, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better that himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ..." NKJV

MPAA:This movie is rated PG for thematic events: one of the characters in a car crash ends up in hospital with head wounds, some pushing up against a fence with intent to rob and the words: Jesus freaks are used.
Overall though this is a movie for the whole family.


WWJD has come out in DVD on October 12, 2010.

"LEGENDARY" (2010) DVD

Although, this is not a faith-based movie, it brings to my mind, the Bible's question of: "....Am I my brother's keeper?" from Genesis 4:9 NKJV. This is of course answered by many verses in the Bible: John 13:34 NKJV: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." Also in Romans 14:19:NKJV: "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."

That being said: This movie is about the growing of a relationship between two estranged brothers. This touching story takes place in a small town in Oklahoma. The splitting of the family happens ten years previously, when their father dies in an accident. The younger brother, Cal (Devon Graye) is an awkward, bookish high school student who wants to unite his family indirectly through his amateur wrestling. His older brother, Mike (John Cena), who was the high school wrestling champion years before, has not seen his mother, Sharon (Patricia Clarkson) or his brother in those ten years. Their struggle to unite is a one of redemption and owning up to each of their parts in the relationship between the mother and her first born son. It is the youngest who, with the guidance of Red (Danny Glover), has the realization of what he has really won. One of the sayings in the movie is: "Not all legends are about victory; some are born out of struggle." 

I enjoyed this movie and thought the acting was of high quality, especially from the main characters: Patricia Clarkson, Devon Graye, John Cena and of course Danny Glover.

In the movie, the father made a general statement about life: "When you show up..things happen" so "Show up and be prepared."  Good advice, but if this had been a faith-based movie it might have added an even better statement of preparedness for life: Ephesians 6:11-12: powers, against the rulers of the darkness "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,..." NKJV

MPAA: This movie is rated PG-13 because of suggestive material, brief partial  nudity and some fighting scenes.



 

"LETTERS TO GOD" (2010) DVD

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 19:13-14  NKJV

 "Letters to God"  is an inspirational and uplifting Christian faith-based movie, inspired by a true story. It was made in loving memory of Patrick "Tyler" Doughtie. (Sept.23/1995 to March 1/2005)

Tyler's Dad has written the book from which this movie is based. He and his wife also co-authored a children's book with the same title.  

This is a story is of a courageous, faith-filled eight-year old boy, also named, "Tyler", (Tanner Maquire), who has cancer. He influences both his family and his community by writing letters to his "best friend", God, which is a form of  prayer for him. He lives with his Mom (Robyn Lively), his grandmother (Maree Cheatham) and his teenage brother (Michael Bolten). The letters are eventually intercepted by the mailman (McDaniels Johnson), who is a lost soul with an addiction. He is inspired by Tyler's bravery and grace in battling the cancer. He then, after some confusion, goes on a journey to find out how to rid himself of his own demons and finds his answers in the Letters to God from this child. Others influenced in the community as well are: Tyler's young friend (Bailee Madison) and her grandfather (Ralph Waite-from TV's Walton's Mountain.)

 

"Letters to God" faces the realities of life and death with hope and faith. We are safe in His hands! So many of the secular movies show just an empty dismal end to us. I was emotional in parts of this movie, but it really was a story of a 'Celebration of Life'. I can't tell you how uplifting I found this movie, which sounds strange to the world, but it is because God gave us eternal life. I would recommend it to all families and individuals. As for myself, I think I will purchases this dvd and keep it in my library, so that I may look at it again sometime or share it with someone else. 


"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  Mark 10:15 NKJV

**Suggested Information Website for Cancer:  knowcancer.com
 
MPAA:  This movie is rated PG for thematic material.

I rated this movie as follows, because of the heartfelt storyline.