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Unsung Hero (2024)
An encouraging story of faith in the face of failure!
Fans of for KING & COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James will naturally be drawn to this movie, but that's true for any human interest story. If you already admire an individual, you're more likely to enjoy a film about their life. While the movie mostly avoids scenes of lengthy dialogue, it does slow down at times as the writers delve into backstory and sets up the tension father Dave feels between faith and failure. Joel Smallbone is brilliant in his portrayal of his father, and Daisy Betts shines equally bright as the mother. In fact, the entire cast is wonderful, including Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca and the kids who play Joel and Luke. Despite a modest budget, this movie competes well with Hollywood life-story films that have 100x larger production budgets.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Sometimes history is to complex to capture in a movie, but this is a great attempt
I first watch this movie as a kid. It meant very little to me except it was "all the rage" with the grown ups, so I felt I needed to like it. Decades later I read several books on the real story of T.E. Lawrence, then re-watched the movie.
Sometimes history is too complex to capture in a movie. Add political maneuvering, several millennia of cultures, various traditions, and trying to explain the world Lawrence found himself in becomes impossible.
So, don't over think this movie. Watch it for what it is; an opinionated view of pre WWI Middle East history, and you'll be much better off.
The big appeal and success of this movie is O'Toole's performance. It's outstanding! And, if it weren't for the fact this movie bogs down and is a bit too long for it's own good, I'd have given this movie a higher rating.
Despite it's shortcomings, this movie does a lot to explain the situation the Middle East, even today. And, it prompted me to read history. I'd say that's a good reason for me to recommend this movie.
The Christmas Candle (2013)
The Christmas Candle celebrates hope and the enduring joy which God has promised to those who trust in Him
It took 5 years after its release for me to relent and watch this movie. I've been disappointed too many times by low budget Christian-made movies that, while perhaps good intentioned, falls short of a quality and enjoyable movie. The Christmas Candle does not disappoint.
Regardless of the production budget, this movie is top notch in every way! The storyline is clever, and the script is engaging with enough surprises to keep viewers guessing.
The costuming and setting (Dickens' era England) is spot on. The characters are ordinary people enduring life with all its heartaches. Their struggles are relatable and garner sympathy; you feel their sorrows, share their hopes, and celebrate each miracle. The "miracles" are rational (xcept at the end, there's a bit of the supernatural) and even the seemingly smallest of them (the village recluse who's cat didn't die) feels genuine and brings a smile.
Some have commented on Susan Boyle's (lack of) acting skills but her role is so small it's not distraction.
The Christmas Candle celebrates hope and the enduring joy which God has promised to those who trust in Him.