Movie Reivew: "Miss Potter"

This is the story of thirty year old single authoress Beatrix Potter in Victorian England who wrote many children’s books- including “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” The movie chronicles her struggles with her parvenu pseudo-aristocratic parents, romances, friendships and writing. This film refreshingly details true romance and courtship of Miss Potter in the confines of staid 19th century English society. The awkward relationship she has with her suitor- who is also the publisher of her books- is at times complicated by the unique friendship she has with her suitor’s sister. This is probably the ultimate “Chick Flick” but I was pleased to finally see a film that portrayed healthy strong friendships between women and a wholesome, deep, meaningful search for love between a man and a woman in a society with some moral and social boundaries.

Movie Review "The Ultimate Gift"

This movie is based on the best-selling book "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall. The plot centers around a totally self-absorbed delinquent trust fund baby, Jason Stevens. His estranged billionaire grandfather leaves only a small portion of his vast fortune to his children. Grandson Jason is given an opportunity to redeem himself and in the process potentially inherit his grandfather’s fortune. Jason changes in a stepwise fashion to discover self-denial and the joy of giving.

The basic tenets of the plot are mostly Christian-friendly. Christ and faith in a transcendent God are briefly mentioned in the course of Jason and his intimates’ struggles.

The supporting actors, James Garner and Bill Cobb, performed better than the star, Drew Fuller. The central theme was noble, but the details of the plot were sketchy and camp.

It won’t be nominated for any awards, but would be worth viewing with the family.

Review of "Amazing Grace"

"Amazing Grace" is a biographical film of 18th century English Christian leader, MP and social activist William Wilberforce. This film, by Hollywood standards, is a fairly even handed portrayal of Wilberforce's conversion, life struggles and prolonged battle to eliminate the slave trade in the British Empire. The film allows enough time to develop the complex relationship between Wilberforce, his wife, Prime Minister William Pitt and the ex-slave trader John Newton. The writer interestingly weaved aspects of the central characters that would appeal to both Evangelicals and political liberals. Wilberforce's dominant Christian belief is never explicitly voiced in the film, but is implied by his passions and way of life. John Newton is brilliantly portrayed by Albert Finney. In the most moving scene of the movie, a blind John Newton declares to a troubled and dismayed Wilberforce "I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great savior."

More on the movie can be viewed at the following link: Amazing Grace