Review by Dana Chaffin

Dolphin Tale is now available on DVD at most movie retail stores (such as Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart) and at www.dolphintalemovie.com.

This film is based on the inspiring true story of Winter the dolphin and her amazing human rescuers from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). Winter is an incredible little dolphin that never gave up even after losing her family and eventually her tail. She is an inspiration to those with disabilities and encourages everyone she meets. The entire family will love this movie for the amazing story, the outstanding cast, and the adorable animals.

Dolphin Tale is a very entertaining movie for the whole family to enjoy. It follows the true story of Winter, played by Winter, at the time of her rescue she was a 2 to 3 month old dolphin, that was rescued from being entangled in a crab trap. A fisherman spotted the dolphin and with the help of a boy, Sawyer played by Nathan Gamble (Marley & Me, The Dark Knight), passing by who calls for help. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) rescue team lead by Dr. Haskett played by Harry Connick, Jr. (Hope Floats, Will and Grace) takes the injured dolphin and cares for her at their Clearwater, Florida facility. Her tail had been wrapped so tight in the ropes and the damage was too severe that her tail would eventually be amputated. But that did not stop her, once strong enough she taught herself a different way to swim. The connection between Winter and Sawyer was special and both of them needed each other. Dr. Haskett’s young daughter, Hazel played by Cozi Zuehlsdorff, was quite a help to the CMA team and the recovery of Winter. She and Sawyer became good friends while going through the ups and downs of Winter’s ordeal. Sawyer’s mother, played by Ashley Judd (Simon Birch, A time to kill), saw the difference in him and finally approved of him skipping out of summer school to help with the dolphin. The team discovers that Winter’s new way of swimming is causing life threatening damage to her spine and they must find a way to correct it or she will die. That is when Sawyer finds a prosthetics Dr. from a nearby VA hospital, played by Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption, The Bucket List), to manufacture a prosthetic tail, which had never been done before. After several failed attempts would they have to give up? While this bunch of heroes are fighting to keep Winter alive the CMA is in dire financial stress and will be closing and the property sold if something does not happen fast. So can they save Winter and the CMA in time? You will have to watch the movie to find out, but I can tell you it will have you crying, laughing, and cheering for the team and Winter, the little dolphin that could!

In the movie Winter is the celebrity, but there are many other amazing stars at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). Right now the facility is home to sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, otters and more. The CMA’s mission is to restore and preserve marine environment through education, research, and the rescue, rehabilitations and release of marine life. All of the animals at the facility got there because of an injury or illness. It is their goal to help each animal recover and release it back into the wild, but unfortunately not all of the animals are able to return so they become permanent residents and help with educating visitors. There is a 24 hour emergency stranding phone hotline and when a call is received, no matter what time, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers respond. Educational programs and summer camps are available for visitors at the Clearwater, Florida site, but there is also CMA L.I.V.E. a virtual educational program to reach classrooms all around the world. Part of the research program is a sea turtle nesting program to help sea turtle hatchlings make it safely to the water and ensure their survival. Since 2005 over 60,000 hatchlings have been released into the Gulf of Mexico. All of these programs are provided by CMA staff and their caring volunteers. To find out how YOU can help CMA &/or get involved visit their website www.seewinter.com or contact kmartin@cmaquarium.org for details.

Dolphin Tale is an inspirational and entertaining movie for any age. The entire family can get together for an awesome family night movie, but even the adults and teens will enjoy. It will leave viewers with a positive message of hope that anything is possible. Winter’s story is not over and she will continue to touch many more lives around the world.

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**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

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>>

Review

This film was a major disappointment. My grandson and I looked forward to seeing this for months. I was looking forward to see another M. Night Shyamalan masterpiece and this wasn’t while my grandson is a fan of the TV series the movie is based upon. Both of us were completely disappointed.

First of all- the title of the movie should have been ‘The Avatar’ like the TV series but we all know why that just wasn’t possible. It was like an omen of bad things to come.

I don’t think that Shyamalan really ever understood the story and the characters from the TV series. Somehow he must have gotten bogged down in the sets and special effects which by the way weren’t even that good considering that this could have been an epic similar to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ series or ‘Star Wars’.

The biggest problem were the characters. They were never really developed and never got to the place where I even cared that much for any of them.

Aang ‘the Avatar’ was too dark and confused to be a ‘hero’ and the special effects didn’t really do justice to the powers he was touted to command. Prince Zuko was somewhat sympathetically portrayed but my grandson said Katara was a ‘whiny baby’ in the movie where she is tough and courageous in the TV series.

It was way too serious and comedy relief was totally lacking. Humor served the ‘Ring’ series well and also the Star Wars movies along with the Avatar TV series but not in this movie for some reason. In the end the characters were not even really that likeable.  

Religion

Going in we knew that the story would be steeped in Eastern religions and pantheism. Each of the major people groups had their own champion ‘gods’ or spiritual forces. The ‘fire people’ leader could care less about religion and was in to power and domination. The Avatar ‘Airbender’ was supposed to be the one which would bring peace and so-called balance between the different forces and gods—a ‘messiah’ of sorts.

The explanations of this were rather lacking and murky in the film.

Conclusion

The film ended with a victory that was left uncelebrated. The ‘water people’ bowed down to the Avatar and that was it- and who really cares for that matter. Nothing like the celebration at the end of the first Star Wars movie (now they call it the 4th). 

At the end, both of us wondered if we would even bother to see the sequel if it ever happens. Probably not. My advice—don’t waste your time and money on this turkey.           *Top  

The best ‘Toy Story’ of all. An actual adventure with all sorts of good lessons and fun. I took two of my grandchildren to see it-ages 4 and 12- and both liked it. Usually in animated movies I get in a wonderful nap but not this time. Woody and Buzz are back along with Jessie and the potato heads.

Andy is all grown up now and getting ready to head for college. What to do with all of his old toys? Store them, give ‘em away or dump ‘em. That is the dilemma– the toys are facing an uncertain future.

Through a number of unforeseen circumstances the toys end up at a day care center being mistreated by toddlers during the day and imprisoned by a toy mobster at night.

The greatest fun was had when Barbie meets up with Ken there. It is delightful and hilarious when Ken does a private showing of his extensive wardrobe.

A ‘Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear’- Lotso for short ends up being the villain that acts like a mobster who tries to enslave our hero toys. In the process of escaping from Lotso’s organization Woody and the rest end up at the dump. For small children this part of the story is the scariest of all. For old guys like me too!

However, all ends up well as the toys help each other out and eventually find themselves in another very fine home. Obviously more stories to come.

One of the best animation flicks that I have seen in a long time. I took my grandson to see it and didn’t really expect much but rather than getting comfortable and taking a nap, I actually watched the whole thing and really enjoyed it.

The film presents a fantasy world where a Viking village is constantly under attack by dragons. the villagers had become expert dragon fighters and expert on dragons, so they thought. Meanwhile, our film hero Hiccup tries to become a dragon fighter but fails. When he finally brings down a dragon he finds that he cannot finish the job and kill him. He is a complete disappointment to his father.

He secretly befriends the dragon he could not kill and in the process learn more about the dragons than anyone else in the village. In his training to learn to fight dragons he is able to hold his own with every dangerous variety known. His only weakness is that he refuses to finish them off. Which is perceived as a weakness by his father.

The girl that he really likes –Astrid, finally finds out about his secret friend and in the end the reluctant warrior saves the day, gets the girl, and gains the respect of his father and everyone else in his village including the dragons.            *Top 

Review by Dana Chaffin:

This is a touching Christian movie that asks tough questions and confronts difficult issues.   At one time or another most of us have asked, what am I doing here?  It explores the idea that each of us has a God given purpose, whether we know it or not. God has given each of us certain skills, desires, and talents to be used for Him.  The story of the movie and the behind the camera facts make this a must see film.

The Story

The River Within is a modern story of issues that teens cope with and concerns in the Church.  The story starts with Jason (Josh Lauri) a law student who returns to his hometown to study for his upcoming bar exam.  He quickly runs into old friends and old problems.  Due to pressure by Layla, (Jaclyn Friedlander) an old friend, Jason begins a summer job as a youth minister.  Jason encounters disturbing issues that face these youth and tries to find answers.  As time goes on, the mixed up priorities of the church comes to light.  The church can fall asleep and overlook the people right in front of them.  They get their eyes off God and put them on people, sometimes pastors or even big contributors to the church fund.  The fact is that no one, not even pastors, are perfect.  This film shows that caring for ourselves, others, and God can help us find our purpose.

Behind the camera

The River Within was shot in three Arkansas cities and along the scenic Spring River in Arkansas.  It was written and directed by Arkansas native, Zac Heath.  This is the debut feature film for Heath. In February 2008 Heath would start making this film and it would take less than 6 months to complete.  One reason it was done so quickly, it was shot on a shoestring budget of less than $40,000 so he would have to limit rental time on equipment.  Although this film is a debut film and completed with limited funds, it is a very high quality and professionally done film.  The road to Heath’s filmmaking was not typical.  After graduating college Heath performed in many shows and appeared in two films.   Wanting to become a film director he did not take the normal road through film school, but took the hands on approach.  He moved to Hollywood and began working on as many films as he could as a crew member.  He learned all the aspects of filmmaking by working as a crew member.

     Another Arkansas native involved in the film was Craig Morris.  He wrote and performed the film’s theme song as well as played Pastor David in the film.  This was his debut as an actor, but he has a long resume of writing and performing music.  Morris has written songs recorded by many famous singers like Reba McEntire, Ray Charles, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others.  He has also toured as a pianist and harmony singer with Pam Tillis, Donny and Marie Osmond, and currently tours with Loretta Lynn. 

   Others involved in the film are just as talented and have unique backgrounds. Craig Luttrell plays Paul in the film.  He met Zac Heath while they both attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.  Josh Lauri plays Jason in the film.  He is an actor in theatrical productions, commercials, and films in Chicago.  He was invited to audition for this film by longtime friend, Craig Luttrell.  They met in first grade at Johnson Elementary in Iowa. Maurice Mejia plays Marcus, in the past he had worked in a short film shot by Heath.  Mejia was a 23 year old senior Pre-Med student at Texas A&M.  His character was to be a 17 year old, but dedicated to his character Mejia grew out his hair, waxed his upper body, and lost 20 pounds to look younger. 

The River Within is a stimulating Christian film.  It brings awareness to some hard issues facing our youth and the Body of Christ.  Even when we think we are stuck, God knows exactly where He wants us to be.  Go to www.theriverwithinmovie.com to get more information about the movie or to purchase the DVD. 

Review by Dana Chaffin:

Now available on DVD is the heartwarming Christian movie Clancy.  This film is a touching story of a girl overcoming horrible situations in her young life with unmovable faith.  Very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  It has comedy, suspense, and drama.  So grab the tissues, popcorn, and Clancy for your next movie night.  

Clancy (Christina Fougnie) is a young girl abused by her mother.  Her mother not only physically abuses her, but also blames Clancy for her not having a life or money.  She tells Clancy that her life was so much better before she had her.  Clancy runs away to avoid being taken away by social workers and hopes while she is gone her mom will get help.  On the streets she crosses paths with an angry homeless veteran, Nick (Jefferson Moore).  An immoral mayor desperate for re-election plots a devious plan to “find” the lost girl.  He includes the police chief in his plan to set up the homeless man.  With the promise of restarting his life, Nick agrees to keep the girl out of sight.  But when a loan shark corners Nick, he and Clancy escape to the country.  The corrupt mayor now sets his sights on a more shocking alleged rescue/manhunt across county lines. 

Clancy is an emotional rollercoaster.  Viewers will hold their breath in suspense, laugh, and cry.  Clancy is a positive child and even though she is abused, she does not let anything get her down.  She says “Bad things are always going to happen, but being miserable doesn’t have to.”  She explains the Gospel to Nick in an easy to understand and effective way.  The simple truths that Clancy explains to Nick are what bring the two of them together.  As the young girl grows on the homeless veteran he discovers that he wants to care about another person and his own life again.  Because of some strong topics – abuse, runaway, homelessness, bribery, etc. it may not be suitable for younger children.

Clancy is a high quality film and the entire cast is extremely talented.  This is the first starring role for Christina Fougnie, but viewers will only see a professional young actress.  The writer (Jefferson Moore) also plays Nick in the film, does an outstanding job.  The production is very entertaining and brings the reality of the story to life.  You can find out more about Clancy and purchase the DVD at the movie’s website www.clancymovie.com.

DVD Release: Oct.1, 2009 by HeuMoore Productions; David Heustis and John Moore; Runtime: 101 min.

Review by Dana Chaffin

        On October 1, 2009 The Widow’s Might will be released on DVD.  It has something for the whole family – comedy, adventure, drama, action, western, and musical all in one film.  It has very strong Christian values. This movie is awarded the Dove “Family- Approved” Seal for all ages.   The story of the movie is heartwarming and the story of the filmmakers is surprising.

The Story

The Widow’s Might is about many exciting events, but the main story is families coming together to help a widow.  She is in danger of losing her home because of property taxes.  Her property has become more valuable because of a new highway built near by; however she is not interested in leaving her home.  Two young neighbors that are hopeful future filmmakers try to find a way they can help the widow.  They try several ways to help tell her story, like passing out flyers and talking to the mayor, but made no progress.  So they decide to make a film, based on a western musical, to expose the widow’s trouble.  They plan on introducing the western at a film festival competition.  Although they face many down falls and mishaps they venture on till the end.  The movie shows just what we can do if we come together and stand up for what is right.  The music in this film is outstanding and the entire cast is very talented.  The DVD is packed with hours of special features.  It has commentary of the entire movie by the producers and another by the cast.  There is also lots of information about the history of HeuMoore Productions.  The behind the scenes footage with the cast and crew is very enjoyable.  The scenes of the actual San Antonio Christian Film Festival award ceremony are interesting. 

The Filmmakers

    The Widow’s Might was produced by HeuMoore Productions.  HeuMoore is the combination of two young boys, David Heustis (20) and John Moore (19).  These young men started working together in 2003 by making short films to be used on the internet.  They found that John Moore was talented at writing and telling stories and David Heustis was skilled at the technical aspects of making movies.  This is their fourth film, but their first feature film.  The Widow’s Might at the San Antonio Christian Film Festival won ‘Best of Festival’ and the ‘Audience Choice’ Award against tough competition like Fireproof and Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.  They may be young, but they are very talented and have a bright future in making more award winning films. 

      The Widow’s Might is an inspiring and uplifting film about showing others compassion.  This is a high quality production with a talented cast.  On October 1, 2009 buy the DVD wherever Christian films are sold.  Gather the family for a wonderful movie night. You can find out more about the movie at the website www.widowsmightmovie.com. On the movie’s website they announce that HeuMoore is dedicated to creating films that glorify Christ and spread a message of truth.  The Widow’s Might is just that – entertaining with an important message.

Cast: John Ashton – Mike (Dad), Thom Mathews – Dan, Corin Nemec – Dan (teen years), Paul Gleason – Tony, Janice Lynde – Erika (Mom), Mario Van Peebles – Norman, Megan Gallivan – Sue, Dana Barron – Kathy.

The story of Dan Donahue (Thom Matthews) who has met the girl of his dreams, Sue (Megan Gallivan). He plans on proposing after a dinner with her parents but in the midst of it he wonders if he can really commit to a wife and family.

Seeing her family, he begins to question whether he is really ready and able to love like that. He still has deep-seeded hurt and anger that needs to be overcome–anger and feelings of abandonment caused by his father leaving him when he was just a young boy. Then there’s the fear that maybe he’ll be just like his old man.

Dan calls it quits with Sue instead, then spends some time alone trying to make sense of it all. In the midst of his introspection he cries out to God: “What do I gotta do to be free to Love?” In the moment of inspiration that follows, Dan decides to write a letter to his father, directly confronting him with the feelings of bitterness, disappointment, and disengagement that he experienced over the years.

(View the trailer-A Letter to Dad)

While Dan is writing his letter, we see his life unfold before us. First, the loving father and son relationship that quickly changes when his father (John Ashton – Mike) leaves and divorces his mother (Janice Lynde – Erika). As his father takes off for the first time, Dan cries out to God: “Why are you doing this to me?”

It doesn’t help that his mother remarries and he has to live with a jerk of a step-dad (Paul Gleason- Tony). Then, the unsatisfying time that he has every other weekend with his Dad who seems more intent on blaming everyone else and drowning his troubles in boos than on loving and spending time with his son.

Then comes the rebellion and challenges that he faces as a troubled teen–looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. The shock of a friends suicide brings Dan to the place where he decides to make something of his life–”to be somebody“.

He turns to God in the process and there is one scene where he goes to church with his mother and the pastor tells him that God is always there and unconditionally loves him.

As a young man, he begins to make a success of his life. Years later we see him meet the love of his life, Sue, followed by vignettes of loving courtship.

The film has a powerful ending and a message that is sure to encourage and inspire–”a touching story of how faith and love can overcome a lifetime of pain and anger.”

The sound track and music for this film is really awesome–featuring inspirational songs by a number of Christian artists including Jeremy and Adie Camp, Decyfer Down, and others.           

*Note: A Letter to Dad received the highest possible award– 5 Doves– by The Dove Foundation. 

**For more info. and to purchase the DVD: http://www.alettertodad.com/

***Possible Uses of A Letter to Dad as a Ministry Tool:

Pastors and Church leaders: This would be an excellent film to use as a resource in ministry. The message is particularly appropriate for use by Men’s groups, Youth Groups, Parent or Single Parent groups.

The Movie could be shown to a specific group, followed by a guided question and answer session exploring relational issues.

For example: How experiences or lack of love or support from our parents, particularly our fathers, growing up can affect our lives and how we relate to others. Why it is important for both parents, especially fathers, to reach out to their children in love.

Also, how God, as our heavenly Father, is always there for us regardless–making up for what we didn’t get from our parents (or in cases of abuse, what we did get)–reaching out to offer us unconditional love and help to overcome all of the challenges before us.         *Top