**Awards: Peoples Choice Award: Best Feature Film – 2010 San Diego Christian Film Festival

This movie took me by surprise. A powerful Christian message wrapped naturally into a story that includes true friendship, tragedy, and the pain of growing up and seeking one’s identity and place in life. Plus it starts off with some incredible surfing cinematography and a soundtrack that gets you into it right from the very start.

In the first couple of minutes you learn that Luke has a passion for surfing and would like to become a pro. His friend Casey on the other hand is quite different and won’t even go into the water but they are the closest of buddies anyway.

Then there are Luke’s parents who don’t seem to listen to each other or Luke for that matter. From there we find out that Luke’s father is not exactly thrilled with His son’s surfing and wants him to dedicate himself to getting a college education. Luke on the other hand is keyed in on the upcoming local surfing contest that could get him a place on a sponsored team –a start towards achieving his dream.

Next day at school a new girl (Emily) catches Luke’s eye but he learns that she is some kind of serious Christian. Then there’s a new guy (Matt) on campus who brags about being the sure-fired winner of the upcoming surfing contest and ends up challenging Luke to a private surfing duel.

Along the way Luke gets grounded but comes to an understanding with his parents about his future. As part of the agreement he is required to attend the youth group at church. His friend Casey goes along with him and loves it.

Tragedy strikes and Luke has a hard time dealing with the aftermath. His friend Emily tries to talk to him about it but her answers seem like trite platitudes until he finds out the truth about her past and ends up searching for his own answers in the process.

The story is true to life with several twists and turns plus an inspired ending. This is a great story for teenagers and parents alike and even grandparents like myself.

The acting is top notch, the screen play is exceptional, and it is pulled together with an excellent soundtrack along with several scenes of surfing cinematography to die for. An awesome experience on many different levels with a natural Christian message to boot. Yes I really did like this film.

This movie would be great for youth groups. It raises all sorts of questions about life, relationships, parents, identity, goals, and the importance of bringing God aboard in the midst of it all.

<<Here’s a link to the movie website>>            *Top

**Disclosure Statement

RUST: A Mystery of faith

Review by Dana Chaffin

The new inspiring movie Rust is available October 5, 2010 on DVD. This film has all the elements of a great mystery with a helping of faith. The story keeps viewers on the edge of their seat just waiting to see how it all turns out. The story behind the movie, the choice of location, and the cast could in itself be an award winning movie. The excitement of both the movie and the story behind the movie will leave you with a sense of hope.

The Movie

Rust was written by actor Corbin Bernsen, (LA Law, Major League). It is the story of a middle aged pastor that leaves his calling and returns to his hometown to ponder his life and his faith in God’s plan for his life. It was not quite the return he had hoped for; his father was not too welcoming, his sister was struggling in her marriage, and his childhood friend was being blamed for a mysterious fire. This man must now decide to follow his gut feeling that his friend is innocent and fight to clear him or just worry about his own problems. Not wanting to give too much away, by the choice he makes and how it all unfolds is outstanding.

The Story behind the movie

The story of the film developed as Corbin Bernsen examined his own faith after the passing of his father. In an interview with CBN Corbin says “We don’t know what the plan is (speaking of God’s plan). We just have to have faith in the plan.” Bernsen has been acting for many years and has even started a movie production company called Team Cherokee Productions, but writing and/or producing Faith films was not something he ever really planned.

It all started because of a red paper clip. That is right and I will show you! In 2005, Kyle MacDonald began bartering his way from a single red paper clip to eventually a house. You can see all the trade information and the story of Kyle MacDonald at www.oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com, which has had over 9 million visitors since July 2005. He made several trades that included a snowmobile, a van, a recording contract, an afternoon with Alice Cooper, and more.

Bernsen heard about all the media attention this was getting and decided to offer a role in a Hollywood movie. At the time Bernsen did not have any movie plans, but he worked fast and came up with a movie called Donna on Demand. MacDonald secured a trade with the small Canadian town of Kipling for the movie role and they would trade a city owned two-story house. He had done it, in less than one year MacDonald had traded from a red paper clip to a house. The city of Kipling was excited because they made a trade that one of their citizens would get a role in a Hollywood movie produced by Corbin Bernsen.

Bernsen thought this person would get a line or two to satisfy the agreement, but he never imagined the talent he would find. Nolan Hubbard eventually won the role. Kipling held auditions and 150 people from the 1,000 population showed up to audition. Bernsen was so impressed with Hubbard that he was cast as a lead in Corbin’s third film Rust. The town of Kipling wanted to do another movie with Bernsen so much that the town raised over $230,000 to fund the movie. Not only was Rust shot in Kipling, but most of the actors were from there or surrounding communities. See, it really did all start with one red paper clip!

Rust may not have started out as a faith based film, but once God got involved it sure turned out that way. It is amazing to see how all this came together. The story is one of hope and restoration, but the story behind the movie is an example of faith. Learn more about the movie at www.rustmovie.com. Also on the website is a great study guide.

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on sites like: faithwriters.com, christianmediaalliance.com, and extantmagazine.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible. Email signgal@faithwriters.net

A movie based upon an inspirational true story.

Randy Simpkins and his wife Christal are loading up their van and preparing to go on vacation. Their 2 year-old son Joe is riding his trike in the driveway. 

Christal tells her husband to put Joe in his car seat while she goes back inside to finish up. Randy lets Joe keep playing while he goes in to check on his email at work before they leave. He comes back out a couple of minutes later and Joe is nowhere in site.

Then the search for the little boy begins. At first the parents are convinced that he is probably hiding from them and playing some kind of game. A half an hour later after searching everywhere in the house and on their property plus all of the nearby neighbors the parents are fit to be tied and now know that their son is gone, lost, or has been taken.

It is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Randy calls the Sheriff who immediately calls in the Fire Department’s search and rescue experts and then the search begins in earnest.

Meanwhile the Grandmother who lives nearby calls their minister at church who starts a prayer chain and calls in dozens of church members to help in the search and to help the family cope. In a very short time 100’s from the church and the community show up to volunteer.

After searching everywhere for 4 hours, the experts are beginning to fear the worst. It is a rural area full of all sorts of potential dangers for a 2 year-old. In every direction there are woods, ponds, dry wells, old buildings, and swamps that could swallow up the boy and time is getting short.

After a couple more hours, the Fire Chief begins to regrettably call in all of the crews  for the night with only a half an hour of daylight left. It is an emotional time for all.

In the midst of it all Randy Simpkins realizes what is really important in his life and promises God to make changes accordingly. Up to that point his life had been consumed by his job but after this he planned on putting his faith and his family first.

An inspirational story with a powerful ending. <<View the trailer and more info at the movie website>>

<<The DVD is currently available @ Thomas Nelson>> or at the following stores after October 26:

*Note: We received a DVD free for review: <<Read our Disclosure Statement>>

DVD Now Available: Released Oct.5, 2010 by Spyplane Films; Directed by: Ken Horstmann; Cast:  Randall Bentley (Solomon White), Leah Sims (Wren Woods), Taylor St. Clair (Mrs. Buck), Blair Jasin (Cody), Jeremy Harrison (Craig Parker), Kay Copeland (Cindee).

Great story, good acting, with a wonderful soundtrack.

Story of a high school senior with everything and everything going for him at least so it seems.  Solomon White is a rich kid, an accomplished Jock that is being heavily recruited by Ivy league schools, and has a pretty girl friend that won’t leave him alone.

At the beginning I thought this would be just another teen love story with little substance where the hero doesn’t get along with his parents and snows his teachers, but I was wrong.

Solomon is a bright kid that is trying to cruise his way into an Ivy league athletic scholarship for lacrosse by doing the bare minimum in school work.  Meanwhile behind the scenes his mother is pulling strings and making contributions to her former alma mater to get him in and his girl friend Cindee who he broke up with is pressuring him to take their relationship to the next level.

In the midst of it all Mrs. Buck a Christian teacher takes an interest in Solomon and sees lots of potential but forces him into a writing project to make up for a copied paper that he had turned in as his own. With his scholarship on the line Solomon has to respond whether he likes it or not.

During a big game of lacrosse against a major rival Solomon is hit hard and suffers a major concussion. He wakes up in the hospital and finds that his world has literally been turned upside down. He suffers from a rare condition where his eye sight is now turned around and upside down.

In the process of learning to cope with his new situation Solomon meets a new love interest Wren Woods who is blind but helps Solomon view his life in a new way and begin to make decisions for himself. Wren is a Christian girl who does not pressure him in any way but does take him to church which ends up being a turning point for Solomon. Wren along with Mrs. Buck helps Solomon to find God and really find himself in the process.

A marvelous story with all sorts of lessons for living. Great for the whole family and also a great movie for the youth group at church.

<<Here’s a link to where the DVD may be purchased>>

*Received DVD free for review: <<Read Disclosure Statement>>            *Top

DVD Now Available: Released Oct.5,2010 by Glowing Nose Productions; Directed by: Chris Staron; Runtime: 93 minutes; Cast: Marc Thompson (James), Alexander Hinsky (Bobby), Brian Morvant (Dennis), Liz Bucher (Liz), Jhey Castles (Terry), Adam Misenko (Eric), Reagan Kendrick (Andrea), Jay Smith (Walter).

Good Christian comedy. Great for the family and a film that could be used and shown by youth groups at church. Deals with the question of identity and how Jesus Christ factors in our lifestyle and decision making.

James is the ‘big brother’ raising Bobby who is turning 16. Their parents have been dead for 12 years and ‘big brother’ James put his own life on hold to raise his siblings particularly Bobby who was only 4 when their parents passed on.

The will has never been read nor has the estate been settled but the time has now come and Bobby’s much older brother Dennis and sister Andrea have come back to make sure that they get their share. James is hoping to get the family home and enough of the money to keep a roof over their heads and eventually send Bobby to college.

In the middle of it all, Andrea hires a lady lawyer to handle her interests. The lawyer  turns out to be a Christian and becomes a love interest for James who hasn’t dated for years.

Meanwhile Bobby is going through an identity crisis brought on by his becoming infatuated with a new girl at school- Liz. All of his current friends are ‘gothic’ in style and dress so also is Bobby. Meanwhile the new girl Liz, a Christian, is not impressed. This starts Bobby on a rather superficial quest to find out what she does like. Also at the same time at home James is challenging Bobby to read the Bible and look into Jesus and make a commitment to God.

Then throw in, Bobby’s closest friend Eric who is also going through a serious crisis with his mother an out-of-control alcoholic.

It sounds rather serious but it is a comedy after all that provides plenty of laughter and enjoyment on the way and even the occasional slapstick which actually works most of the time.

As in many comedies some of the characters are over-the-top, outrageous, and rather one-dimensional foils for fun. Dennis the druggie/anarchist wanderer brother, Andrea the selfish money grabbing possession-loving sister, Walter her rather meek husband/slave, and Bobby’s gothic ‘friends’ at school. Don’t expect any sort of logical or redeeming action/reaction from any of these folks.

There were two scenes in the movie that did not work for me and seemed rather unrealistic even for an outrageous comedy. First of all, Bobby buys a car for Liz. Nobody explains how a 16 year old is able to do that nor is there any update on what happens to the auto after Liz rejects the gift.  Then when Bobby finally gets a shot at dating Liz he turns her down saying that he needs to pursue and concentrate on his new life in Jesus. In real life a teen would probably choose to do both since the girl is a Christian also.

It is a serious Christian film after all and the message of the gospel comes through naturally most of the time. An ideal film for family discussion and for youth groups.

-Go to this site: To purchase the DVD or arrange for a church showing.

*Received DVD free for review: <<Read Disclosure Statement>>            *Top

Looks good! A new Christian movie coming soon from SkipStone Pictures. Watch the trailer below.

Here’s a link to the movie website

Review by Dana Chaffin

     Lord Save Us From Your Followers will be released on DVD April 20, 2010.  This is a humorous and insightful documentary about how America views Christians.  It answers the question, “Why is the gospel of love dividing America?”   The film does not add to the fight between “Us” vs. “Them”, but has a conversation with those who believe and oppose the Christian faith.  It is very entertaining and is meant to wake the Church up to see how others view our tactics.                     

“No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument.”

  -Phillip Yancey, author, Rumors of Another World

Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a thought provoking documentary that demonstrates how Americans view Christianity.  It does not add fuel to the fire, but shows both sides and how their tactics are being viewed from the other side.  It is very surprising that statistics show that 9 out 10 Americans claim to be Christian.  So what’s all this “Cultural Wars” fighting about?  The writer/director, Dan Merchant, explains that a lot of the groups, in this so-called fight, cannot think outside their own beliefs.  Most are not willing to have a conversation with anyone from the other side, so we just shake our fists and scream our beliefs expecting to be heard.  I can not see any evidence that this is working.  People are talking about Christians from Politicians to athletes and preachers to students, but are they speaking of them positively?  This film uses interviews on the streets, with people opposing Christianity, with celebrities, and even an unusual confessional booth to show how each side sees the other.  It makes viewers stop and really think about how Christianity is being portrayed and is this how Jesus would approach it?  But some believe today there are so many issues – homosexuality, abortions, various other religions – how can we get our values across?  Through the interviews you will see that we are not doing it very well!  I think Dan Merchant says it best “I found that most people that have a problem with Christians don’t have a problem with Jesus!”

Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a must see for both Christians and non-Christians.  It does not condemn either side, but in fact shows how we can improve our relationships.  Isn’t that what Christianity is all about?  It proves that actions speak louder than words and that whoever screams the loudest does not win!  How did Jesus’ message of compassion, love, mercy, and empathy turn into fighting?  This film clarifies that as Christians we must act like Him!  Please visit www.lordsaveusthemovie.com to find out more information.               *Top

Review by Dana Chaffin

     Letters to God, an inspiring faith based film, opens in theaters April 9, 2010.  The story is extremely touching, inspired by a true story, and the hope beyond the movie is unstoppable.  The message is about hope and trusting God, no matter the circumstances.  The production is high-quality with an outstanding cast and crew.  It is produced by David Nixon (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) and written by Patrick Doughtie, the actual Tyler’s father.

The Story

    Letters to God is the heartwarming story of a young boy’s battle with cancer and how he touches the lives of those around him.  Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an 8 year old boy diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.  He writes letters to God asking Him to help those around him deal with his cancer.  He explains that his letters are like texting your best friend.  Tyler sees the stress his mom, Maddie (Robyn Lively) is under trying to run the family after his father passes away.  He unselfishly asks God to help his mom laugh again.  He is concerned about what his family and friends will do after he is gone.  Not once does he complain or question why he has cancer.  The postman Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), going through his own battles with alcohol abuse and a bitter divorce, receives the letters.  He is confused with what to do with the letters at first, but finds himself on a mission for God. 

Beyond the movie

Letters to God is more than just a movie; it is a movement of hope.  The official website, www.letterstogodthemovie.com, offers a multitude of information and encouragement.  There you can watch the movie’s trailer, find theaters showing the film, preorder the soundtrack, find resources about cancer, and write your own letter to God.  

Letters to God is a powerful film of how one boy moves those around him to look to God for answers.  It is very well done with an experienced cast and crew.   Although the film tackles the issue of a young boy with cancer, the message is of hope.  God can use any situation to bring people into a relationship with Him, even a young boy’s letter.  See the movie, visit the website, and join the movement of hope!

Review by Dana Chaffin

     Saving Melanie, a Christian drama, is now available on DVD.  The message of this film is forgiveness, trust, and testing. Most Christian films end with someone being saved, but this one takes the story from the salvation. It shows that just because you are saved that everything does not magically become perfect. The story of this movie is touching, but the story behind the scenes is inspirational.

The Story

     A young single mom, Melanie (Melissa Serrano), is excited about accepting Christ as her Savior.  She is very eager to go out and evangelize everyone she meets.  Her angry and alcoholic neighbor, Jonathon (Brian Renner), becomes her target.  He tells her that she is not ready because she has not passed the “Job test”. However; he seems to be in the middle of his own “Job test” and is failing.  When Melanie’s ex-boyfriend shows up, her faith will be tested intensely.  She also learns that God can use the bad choices and situations from our past to help others.

See trailer:

Behind the scenes

Saving Melanie is the first Christian feature film for producer Jose L. Cruz.  He has made several short films in the past before he became a Christian.  After watching The Passion of the Christ, Cruz decided to accept Christ and make Christian movies that would touch others like that film touched him. He was also inspired by Sherwood Church (Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof). The story of Saving Melanie came about from a conversation Cruz had with his pastor about why people leave their faith.  The first draft of the film was written in just a couple of weeks.  At that time he did not realize that his own faith would be tested.  He would go through a divorce, depression, and was at risk of losing his faith.  After many prayers, he felt the answer was to proceed with the film and stay strong in his faith.  As the characters in the film went through their tests and overcame them, so would the life of the producer.  Cruz says, “The film was his spiritual therapy.”  He is looking forward to making more Christian features.

    Have you passed the “Job test”?  It is pretty easy to trust God when things are good, but what happens when bad times hit?  This film demonstrates the difficulties that can happen to even those who are saved.  Scripture tells us that Job was a blameless and upright man that feared God.  God allowed Satan to test Job, but he could not take his life.  Job lost everything: his children, his flocks, his servants, and was afflicted with painful sores covering his body.  Job 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.  Job stayed faithful to God and in the end he was given back everything lost and even more.  As Christians, even though we may go through tests, we are to put our trust in God.  He can bring us all the way through every test.  You can find out more and purchase the film at www.savingmelanie.com.                *Top

Review by Dana Chaffin

On January 22, 2010 To Save a Life is opening in theaters nationwide.  This exciting Christian based film confronts many teen issues.  New Song Pictures gives viewers a touching story that will certainly change the way they see people.  The story is inspiring and the way it deals with the issues the characters face is remarkable.

To Save a Life is the story of a teenage boy, Jake (Randy Wayne), who must make the choice to do what is popular or what is right.  In the past he made the choice to be popular and it cost him a friend, literally.  Now he will not let that happen again.  Jake must also decide what he believes as far as God.  A youth pastor, Chris (Joshua Weigel), comes into Jake’s path and he has a very unique, but effective way of dealing with the teens. Jake’s faith is tested by many difficulties, but the final outcome is inspirational.

To Save a Life discusses difficult topics such as suicide, cutting, divorce, teen pregnancy, dating, partying, drinking/drugs, depression, abortion, adultery and more.  Although it is very tastefully handled, parents and leaders should know.  This is a very moving film that will help adults to understand what our teens are facing and teens to see what their actions towards others could be saying.

    To Save a Life is a powerful movie.  It is a great film for any teen, parent, youth group, etc.  I do want to warn there are some topics that might be too mature for younger kids; however most teens are aware of these issues.  Please check out the official website www.tosavealifemovie.com to find a theater near you and for resources.  Today many teens are faced with issues and situations similar to those discussed in the movie and this film may be just what is needed, to save a life.               *Top