Movie: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
My Rating: 4 stars
Release date: 1966
Director: Alan Rafkin
Cast:
• Don Knotts, (The Apple Dumpling Gang, the Andy Griffith Show) as Luther
Heggs
• Joan Staley, (The New Phil Silvers Show,) as Alma Parker
• Liam Redmond as Kelsey
• Skip Homeier, (Star Trek) as Ollie Weaver

Plot:
According to legend, the old Simmons mansion was home to a murder
committed more than 20 years ago. The story goes that old man Simmons
murdered his wife and then jumped from the tower to his death. Local residents
claim that they can still hear the ghost of Mr. Simmons playing the organ at night.
Luther Heggs is a newspaper typesetter with great dreams of glory and fame in
the world of journalism. When he gets an opportunity to finally report on a story,
Luther jumps at the chance, until he finds out that he will have to spend a night at
the old Simmons house. Reluctantly, Luther spends a miserable and scary night
at the mansion. The next day, Luther sets the whole town abuzz with excitement
with his article concerning the mysterious happenings at the Simmons house.
Luther finds himself in the position of the new town hero, until he runs into trouble
with Nicholas Simmons, the nephew of the deceased couple. Nicholas charges
Luther and the newspaper with libel. In court, the judge tells Luther that they
will determine whether he is telling the truth or not, by ordering the courtroom
to the Simmons house at midnight. Luther will have one chance to prove his
truthfulness to the court, but will it be enough?

Production: There are few actors that define classic film and television such
as Don Knotts. With his bumbling, nervous style, he won his way into the
hearts of many. This movie’s plot is predictable, the production values aren’t
all that great, but Don Knotts makes this movie a classic. As one viewer
wrote, “Pretty much every scene is a classic of comedy, [and] It's also a treasure
trove of fine performances.  This picture, forms an amazing comic vision of
Americana, created by brilliant minds who knew how to capture it without
resorting to cheap shots or vulgarity. 'Chicken' is a great comedy, a classic,
and its greatness is found in its humbleness.” I couldn’t say it better than that.


Cautions: Some brief sensuality, some mild violence, some scary themes, some
brief crude language.
There is very little in here to offend. This is a very family friendly film in almost
every respect. The only difficulty is the premise which although completely
comic and unrealistic could be a little scary to younger ones (murder, blood on
the organ, ghosts, etc.) Although none of this is treated seriously, the concepts
are still present, so I would urge caution with younger children. Beyond that
there are some silly references to a “spiritualistic” cult of people who want to be
in contact with ghosts, but again, it is done in a funny manner, and is not taken
seriously. There is a brief kissing scene, but very little that would cause offense
in terms of sensuality. Finally there is some very brief crude language, (not
cursing, but just some brief rude humor.) For the most part, this is a very clean,
very family friendly movie. However I would urge parents to view it before their
children do, to make sure that they will be okay with the concepts presented in
the film.


Conclusion: Silly, slapstick, but fun, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is one classic
you will not want to miss. From Don Knott’s brilliant performance as the
bumbling hero, to the fun and eccentric supporting characters, this makes for a
wonderful Friday movie night. While I would urge caution with younger children,
older kids and adults who will not be affected by the scarier themes will enjoy this
classic comedy.

Movie: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 


My Rating: 2 stars 


Release Date: 2008 


Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller 


Cast:

• Bill Hader, (Adventureland, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) as Flint Lockwood
• Anna Faris, (Waiting . . ., Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel)  as Sam Sparks
• Neil Patrick Harris, (Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Justice League: The New Frontier,) as Steve the Monkey
• James Caan, (El Dorado, Elf,) as Tim
• Bruce Campbell, (The Love Bug, Spiderman 2, Spiderman 3,) as the Mayor
• Andy Samberg, (Space Chimps, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) as Baby Brent
• Mr T. (Rocky III, Inspector Gadget,) as Earl

 
 
Rating: PG 


Premise: Young inventor Flint Lockwood doesn’t seem to have much luck.  While his ideas seem like a good idea at the time, they never quite work.  For example, his fantastic spray on shoes that were created to solve the untied shoes epidemic, goes awry when he finds he cannot remove his new footwear.  His hair “unbalder” grows too much hair, and the hybrid rat-birds he created, “escaped and bred at a surprising rate.”  Undaunted, Flint continues, trying to invent something that will save his small town of Swallow Falls.  This little town on a little island in the Atlantic Ocean once was a place where sardines were produced in factories.  However, an economic downturn hurts the little town, so all they have left to eat are sardines.  Flint decides that to fix this problem, he will create a machine that will turn water into food. Unfortunately a little mishap causes his newly invented machine to be lost in the atmosphere, ruin an ambitious young weather reporter’s first day on the job, and cause his father embarrassment and disappointment.  Surprisingly the little machine actually works, and soon the entire town enjoys food from the sky for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Flint begins to enjoy the appreciation of the whole town, but still can’t seem to impress his father.  However, when things go horribly wrong, Flint, his friends, and his father have to work together and overcome obstacles to save the world from a food disaster.   


Production:  I first saw this movie in theatres and in 3D, and I was very impressed with the production values.  However, I will be frank, without the 3D effects, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs does little to hold your attention.  Although aspects of it are cute, and the story line is interesting, this movie will probably not be one that you will want to watch over and over.  That being said, it is a good little movie for a Friday night where you have nothing better to watch, and it can be quite entertaining for younger children who love the vividly colored animation. The interesting relationship between father and son is well played in the movie, and many children in today’s culture will probably be able to relate to that. For those of you who read and loved the movie’s namesake book as a child, this movie will probably be a fun, lighthearted reminder of one of your favorite stories.   


Cautions: Some mild sensuality, some mild language 


Hardly anything here at all.  There was some very mild language, and a few “kissing scenes” but other than that, very little that could offend.   


Conclusion: Over all, this movie probably won’t be a family staple, but it will be a good movie for an occasionally viewing on a Friday night.  The cleanness of the film makes it excellent for children of all ages, and if you ever get the opportunity to watch it in 3D, I would heartily recommend that you take full advantage of the chance to appreciate the stunning 3D work of the film. 

Review for Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed 


Movie: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

My Rating: 2 ½ stars

Release Date: 2008

Director: Nathan Frankowski

Cast: Ben Stein, (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as himself

Rating: PG 


Premise: A thought provoking documentary, exploring the suppression of intelligent design in classrooms and universities across America, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed ventures into the ongoing debate between Evolutionists and Creationists. The film follows the debate, (or lack thereof,) between Evolution and Intelligent Design in the classroom of high schools and universities, displaying the role evolution had in Racism, the Nazi Holocaust, Planned Parenthood, Abortion and Eugenics.  


Production: Although I myself have a bias against evolution, the film comes across as being a little unfair.  While the interviews with the evolutionary scientists are amusing if not somewhat alarming, they spend very little time talking about why intelligent design is any better than evolution as a theory.  Instead its tone comes across as slightly patronizing, with Ben Stein’s relentless questions.  Essentially, you have to take this movie for what it is.  It is not an apologist documentary for intelligent design, but really a documentary questioning lack of freedom in the press and in academia regarding science.  If you come into viewing it with that perspective, than you will probably enjoy this film. 


Cautions: 

• Some scary images and mature themes
• Some brief, mild language

 
The film deals with the holocaust and with some other themes such as abortion and euthanasia.  However, besides those themes, there is very little here to cause a problem. 


Conclusion:  This is an enjoyable film, even if its main satisfaction comes from watching evolutionists squirm as Ben Stein slowly presses them to state what they believe.  It won’t prepare you to have an answer for evolutionists who question Intelligent Design, but it might inspire you to challenge the current system of exclusive Evolutionism present in academia and in the press.  For those not familiar with Intelligent Design, I would recommend they learn a little more about it first before watching this film.  For those already acquainted with the theory of Intelligent Design, this should prove an informational and interesting film to watch. 

Movie: Chariots of Fire

My Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Release Date: October 9, 1981

Director: Hugh Hudson

Cast:

      Ben Cross, (Star Trek, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea) as Harold Abrahams

      Ian Charleson, (Ghandi) as Eric Liddell

      Nigel Havers, (A little Princess, The Gentleman Thief) as Lord Andrew Lindsay

      Cheryl Campbell (Testament of Youth) as Jennie Liddell

      Alice Krige, (Star Trek) as Sybil

      Ian Holm, (The Lord of the Rings, Ratatouille) as Sam Mussabini

Distributed by: Warner Brothers

Rating: PG

Premise:

Chariots of Fire tells the true story of Olympians Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.  Chronicling their struggles and triumphs as they train to be the best runners in the world, it follows them to the 1924 Olympics in Paris.  As Harold Abrahams struggles to overcome the anti-Semitism at Cambridge University where he studies to become a lawyer and trains for the olympics, he falls in love with an opera singer name Sybil.  He explains to her that running is like an addiction to him, he "must" win. We see his drive and competitive spirit when he becomes the first person ever to complete the Trinity Great Court Run at the college; running around the court in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12. At the same time, we see Eric Liddell, a devout Christian and an excellent runner.  He wants to work in the mission fields of China, but he also wants to compete in the Olympics.  He explains to his concerned sister that he "feels God's pleasure" when he runs, and that God gave him the gift of speed.  He runs so that he can honor God with his gift.  When Eric Liddell beats Harold Abrahams in a race, Harold takes it badly, but a professional trainer named Sam Mussabini offers to help him train to become faster.  When the Olympic trials come, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams both make it on the British Olympic team, and soon they sail to Paris to compete for their country. However, things go badly for both runners.  Eric Liddell finds out that his race is on a Sunday.  Determined not to desecrate the Sabbath, he refuses to run in his race.  Harold Abrahams loses his first race to American runners.  Fortunately for Eric Liddell, a teammate and friend, Lord Andrew Lindsay, who had already competed and won silver in a previous race, offers Liddell his place in the upcoming 400 meter race.  As the races of both Harold and Eric approach, the world watches to see if the British will take gold, or if Abrahams and Liddell fall short.

Production:  Chariots of Fire is without a doubt, a classic movie.  Nominated for 7 academy awards, and winner of 3 of those, winner of the BAFTA award for best film, winner of 2 awards at the Cannes Film Festival, and number 19 on BFI Top 100 British Films, Chariots of Fire has an impressive resume.  The acting is very well done, with such solid film veterans such as John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson and Ian Holm backing up the main characters. Director Hugh Hudson did a fantastic job of casting, and he also does an excellent job with the movie.  There are very overt Christian themes throughout the film, and Eric is honored as a man who sacrificed his dreams in order to do what was right. The musical score is absolutely fantastic, and it is really worth watching the movie just to hear the rousing themes created by Vangelis, the composer for the movie.  Of course, the most famous moments in the movie, the dramatic scenes along the beach, are timeless and are perhaps some of the greatest scenes in cinematic history.  All in all, this movie is a timeless classic that honors moral courage and obedience to God's law.

Cautions:  

      • Mild/Brief moments of Profanity

      • Some Sensuality

      • Moments of Intoxication 

Sadly, like most films, the profanity found in the film really wasn't necessary.  In fact, the only reason the added language was put in the film was to raise the rating from the original "G" to "PG".  There isn't much language, but it is there, so you probably should be aware of that.  The romance between Sybl and Harold is very chaste for the most part, but there are some moments of what my brother would call "mushy gushy" parts, so that is another thing to be mindful of.  Finally, Harold and his coach get slightly intoxicated near the end of the film after Harold's race.  Parents might want to view the scene before letting their children watch it.  All in all, however, this is a very clean and in many ways edifying movie, and the few cautions listed here are really not very prominent in the film. 


Conclusion: Chariots of Fire is an excellent film.  Not only is it cinematically a classic, it also presents timeless Christian values such as observing the Sabbath.  For those who participate in sports, this movie can provide encouragement to do the right thing even when it is hard.  For those outside of sports, it still presents a challenge to honor God on the Sabbath, and through every area of our lives.  I strongly urge that you rent or even buy this timeless classic and enjoy watching this edifying and uplifting film with your family. 

Movie Info:   
Title:  Gifted Hands

My Rating: 3 ½ star

Released: 2009

Directed by: Thomas Carter

Stars: 

• Cuba Gooding Jr., (A Few Good Men, Men of Honor, Radio) as Ben Carson
• Kimberly Elise, (the Great Debaters,) as Sonya Carson
• Aunjanue Ellis, (Racing for Time, True Blood, The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3) as Candy Carson
• Gus Hoffman, (The Suite Life of Zach and Cody,) as the teenage Ben Carson
• Jaishon Fisher as the Young Ben Carson

Rating: NR

 Premise:   Gifted Hands tells the true story of neurosurgeon Ben Carson.  Following his journey from a troubled young child in difficult circumstances to a successful surgeon, the movie chronicles his struggles with learning, racism and his personal battles with anger, showing how he eventually overcomes all of those to become one of the top neurosurgeons in the world.

Production:   Gifted Hands is a very well put together film.  One thing many Christians will appreciate is the strong emphasis on Ben Carson’s faith.  When struggling with his anger, he eventually appeals to God with a heartfelt plea to change him.  When talking to the parents of a patient, he tells them that, “I pray every day.” We see the same faith in his mother, who although she struggles with depression and extremely difficult circumstances, does her best to ensure her sons are solidly grounded not only educationally, but also spiritually.  These references to the Christian walk don’t come across as cheap or unrealistic, but instead give a very beautiful picture of the changing effects of Christ on hurting and broken individuals.  We also see some very realistic pictures of life in the operating room, and we can feel the pressure that Dr. Carson feels, when he has to make the decision on operations that have never been successfully performed.  Cuba Gooding does an excellent job portraying Ben Carson, and the supporting cast is fantastic as well. 

Cautions:

• Some mild language
• Some Mild Disturbing Images
• Some Tense /Emotional Moments

There was only one moment of profanity, albeit mild, but it was still there.  Also, the operating room scenes are definitely not for the weak stomached.  They were tastefully done, but we still get full screen shots of the brain under operation and there is definitely some blood involved.  Obviously the only other concern would be the tense moments that come as a result of the pressures of the operating room.  When Ben Carson agrees to operate on Craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in order to separate them, there is a lot of emotional and mental pressure for Dr. Carson and for the family, because such an operation had never been successfully performed without killing at least one of the children.  With these concerns in mind, you might want to watch through Gifted Hands to make sure younger audiences will be able to handle it. 

Conclusion:  This is a heartwarming story of a man’s journey through life, overcoming difficulties through his faith.  As such, I highly recommend it.  It probably won’t be your family’s favorite Friday movie night flick, but it will definitely provide an inspirational and encouraging film to watch as a family, and to share with friends.  The morals found in the film of hard work, faith in Christ, and overcoming obstacles and challenges are relevant to all of us today, and it is truly encouraging to have these principles reinforced and commended in such an excellent way as in the story of Ben Carson’s Gifted Hands. 

Movie Info:   
Title:  MOST

My Rating: 5 star

Released: 2003

Directed by: Bobby Garabedian

Stars: 

• Vladimir Jarvorsky
• Lynda Rybova
• Ladislav Ondrej
• Ester Geislerova
• Brad Heller
• Klara Issova

Rating: NR

Premise:    A bridge tender takes his 8 year old son to work with him.  While there, an oncoming train arrives too early and the boy tries to help his father by lowering the bridge.  However, disaster strikes, and the father is left with a horrific choice: save his son, or save the train. 

Production:   Directed by Bobby Garabedian, this short Czech film may seem insignificant.  After all, it isn’t a 2 hour feature film, and none of the actors have great name recognition.  However, there is more to this film than meets the eye.  Told as a “modern day parable” this short film masterfully demonstrates the gospel story through stunning cinematography and beautiful storytelling that leaves audiences with a very real sense of the Father’s heart for his children.  This is probably the best independent film I’ve ever seen.  It’s well crafted manner and dramatic scenes give it a sometimes gritty realism, but creates an effective medium for sharing the love of Christ. Most of the movie is in the Czech language, and is translated into English, but the acting is so fantastic, you don’t even notice.  The story draws you in, and holds you spellbound until the ending message of hope flashes across the screen.  The best thing about MOST, is that Christians aren’t the only ones in love with this movie.  It was the official selection for the Sundance Film festival, best of the festival at the Palm Springs International, received the audience award for the best short film at the Maui Film festival, Winner of the crystal heart award at the Heartland Film festival, and producer William Zabka was nominated for an academy award for best short film.  Truly Most succeeds at being a modern day parable; appealing to the current culture, while presenting heavenly values.     

Cautions:

• Some Drug and Substance Use
• Some Drinking
• Some Sensuality
• Smoking
• Thematic Elements
• Mild language

Everything on the list isn’t major, excepting the thematic elements.  The father calls on God to help him with his decision, but he isn’t taking his name in vain, so really the drugs, drinking, sensuality, smoking, and mild language are a result of the passengers of the train.  Throughout the film, we begin to see that these passengers are unworthy, selfish, imperfect, and when we see them contrasted with the innocence and sweet nature of the son, we wonder at the father’s choice, to save the train.  We see that the passengers are worthless compared to the boy, and our heart aches and even is angry when we see the boy sacrificed for such  a despicable crowd of passengers, who continue to go on with their lives, without even noticing the sacrifice of the father.  The thematic element of a father having to choose between his son and these passengers is very emotionally charged.  This is probably the main reason I wouldn’t recommend this for younger children.  However, the movie ends with a powerful message of hope.  One of the passengers on the train, a drug addict, sees what the father did, and her life is transformed.  This is a powerful tale of redemption, and it is difficult to understand the full scope of it, if you don’t show the before and after picture.  The picture of an unworthy,  undeserving passenger, transformed by the sacrifice of the Father into a new person is well contrasted in the film, but that is also what creates some of the cautions above, such as the drug use, the drinking, etc. 

Conclusion:  Because of the nature of the film, Most probably isn’t suitable for younger audiences.  Even besides, the drugs and smoking, Most is just a little too emotionally charged for children.  However, I would recommend it wholeheartedly as one of the best independent films I’ve ever seen, both as far as the production values go regarding the acting and storyline, and in terms of the spiritually qualities present.  The sweet relationship between father and son, and the ultimate sacrifice of the father present a moving presentation of the gospel message, and it is presented well.  If you do not watch any other independent/small films, you must see Most.   It is a great outreach tool, a great message, and a great short film.  If you don’t do anything else this week, I would strongly urge you to experience afresh the sacrifice of the Father through one of the best short films of our time. 

Title:  The Tale of Despereaux My Rating: 4 ½ star

Released: 2008

Directed by: Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen

Stars: 

• Emma Watson, (The Harry Potter Series,) as Princess Pea
• Dustin Hoffman, (Finding Neverland, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Last Chance Harvey,) as Roscuro
• Matthew Broderick, (The Lion King, Inspector Gadget, Bee Movie,) as Desperaux
• Tracey Ullman, (Panic, Small Time Crooks,) as Miggery Sow
• Ciaran Hinds, (The Phantom of the Opera, Amazing Grace, The Nativity Story, Race to Witch Mountain, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,)as Botticelli
• Sigourney Weaver, (Holes, The Village, Vantage Point, Be Kind Rewind, WALL-E, Avatar,) as the Narrator

Rating: G 


Premise:  When a young mouse is born into the world, it doesn’t take long for his family to notice he is different.  He has big ears, reads books, and isn’t afraid.  Soon, his boldness and courage get him banished from his home, and he is sent to the dungeons where the evil rats live.  Despereaux must draw upon his courage and chivalry to save a princess, defeat evil, and restore a kingdom to its’ former glory.   

Production:  I’m going to go ahead and confess that I’m typically not a fan of animated films.  I find that live action films suit me better.  That being said however, the Tale of Despereaux based off the Newberry Award winning book by Kate DiCamillo is probably one of a few exceptions to that rule.  With its dreamy animation style, and the beautiful storyline, the Tale of Despereaux is a winner in almost every way.  One thing that many Christians will especially appreciate is the deep themes present in the film.  Most animated films serve nothing up but a few cheap laughs, some corny jokes, and a random plot.  The Tale of Despereaux does none of that.  Instead, concepts like hope, forgiveness, courage and chivalry are discussed and honored throughout the film.  The main character, Despereaux is described as a mouse, “Who always told the truth.” He is not afraid to do what is right.  Also present in the film are some analogies that many Christians will be very familiar with.  The evil rats live in darkness and hate the light, and that is one of the biggest struggles throughout the film; the conflict between light and dark, between good and evil.  As I mentioned before, the concept of forgiveness is also one of the big themes running throughout the movie, as the characters struggle with forgiving each other of past offenses, and to make right the wrongs they’ve done.  You may not come away from the Tale of Despereaux laughing, but you will come away thinking, and that is saying a lot about any film.     

Cautions:

I think the only concern parents will have with this is a few instances where the characters take the Lord’s name in vain.  On the whole, there is very little that is offensive.  I would caution that some of the themes, although very good, might be a little intense for younger viewers.  The makers of Despereaux do a good job presenting a deep contrast between good and evil, and the evil, (as in real life,) is truly is despicable, even if only on a G rated scale.  I would just urge parents to watch the film beforehand, to make sure they think their children can handle some of the darker elements and evil moments of the film.   

Conclusion:

This movie ranks high when it comes to my favorites list.  I think the themes and concepts presented in this sweet yet thought provoking film, make it well worth watching.  It may lack cheap jokes, but it radiates heartfelt emotions in a way that most live action movies cannot.  I would definitely recommend this to everyone as a movie that will challenge your ideas of chivalry, courage, love and forgiveness, and that will inspire you to live out your real life quest with those same virtues.   

Movie Info:   
Title:  Mr. Smith goes to Washington

My Rating: 4 ½ star

Released: 1939

Directed by: Frank Capra

Stars:

• James Stewart, (It’s a Wonderful Life)  as Jefferson Smith
• Jean Arthur, (You Can’t Take it With You, The More the Merrier,) as Clarissa Sanders
• Harry Carey, (So Dear to My Heart, China’s Little Devils,) as the President of the Senate
• Claude Rains, (Casablanca, Notorious) as Senator Joseph Paine

Rating: NR 


Premise:  When Jefferson Smith, (James Stewart) is elected as U.S. Senator, he has a dream to create a boys camp in his home state, so that they could enjoy and learn about the qualities that make America great.  Unfortunately, corruption has replaced many of those principles for members of the senate, and greed has become the motivating factor for many of the nation’s leaders.  Jefferson Smith with the help of Clarissa Sanders (Jean Arthur,) his legislative aide, must take on the political machines, the cynical congressmen, and political maneuvering in order to pursue justice and, “just plain commonsense rightness.”

Production:  You can almost know it’s a classic when you hear the words Frank Capra.  Director of “It’s a Wonderful life,” and many other cherished and treasured American classics, Frank Capra definitely made his mark on the world through the wonderfully simple but beautiful black and white films of his day.  “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” is no exception.  With an all star cast, and its gentle fun at the expense of congress, this movie is timeless.  Many of its principles are just as relevant today as they were more than seventy years ago when it first came out, and the values present are ones that many more modern filmmakers tend to forget.

Cautions:

• Some VERY brief language
• Some slight drunkenness/intoxication

This movie really is very clean.  There are only a few spots regarding language, and a few scenes with the characters drinking and getting slightly intoxicated.  However, there is nothing very major here at all.  I wish most of our more recent movies were as clean as this one is. 

Conclusion:

I know that Nicole already reviewed this movie, but I felt like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,”  deserved a little more attention in detail.  This is a family favorite, and it is also a recognized classic by most of today’s film critics.  If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I would strongly urge you to rent it or buy it, sit back with some popcorn, and enjoy one the most endearing American classics ever created.

MOVIE REVIEW: Inkheart

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Rating: PG

Distributed by: New Line Cinema

Released:  January 23, 2009

Directed by: Iain Softley

Stars:

• Brendan Fraser as Mo Folchart (The Mummy, Journey to the Center of the Earth, GI Joe,)
• Eliza Bennett as Megan Folchart (Nanny McPhee)
• Paul Bettany  as Dustfinger (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code, Master and Commander; The Far Side of the World)
• Helen Mirren as Aunt Elinor (Gosford Park, Calendar Girl, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets,)
• Andy Serkis as Capricorn (The Lord of the Rings)
• Jim Broadbent as Fenoglio (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)
• Rafi Gavron as Farid (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playhouse)

Premise: 

      What would you do, if you could read characters out of books, into our world?  And what would you do, if, when you read a character out, someone from our world went into the book?  This is the premise of Inkheart a movie based off the first book in the popular “Ink-Trilogy” by Cornelia Funke.    According to the movie, some people have this unique and incredible gift of reading characters to life, but most don’t realize it and when they do, it is oftentimes too late.  Such is the case with Mo Folchart,(Brendan Fraser,).  At first unaware of his special “silvertongue” abilities, Mo soon finds out about them after experiencing disastrous results while reading a book out loud.  Now, nine years later, the movie begins with Mo desperately trying to find a copy of Inkheart, the book he was reading when all his troublestarted.  Teaming up with his Aunt Elinor, (Helen Mirren,) a feisty old woman with a love for books, and his daughter Megan, (Eliza Bennett,)they soon join forces with Dustfinger,(Paul Bettany,)the magical fire juggler, a young Arabian boy named Farid, (Rafi Gavron,) and Fenoglio,(Jim Broadbent,)the old author of Inkheart.  Together, they face off against the evil Capricorn (Andy Serkis,) and his henchman in a desperate attempt to make right the damage done by Mo’s reading. 

Production:

      Directed and produced by Iain Softley,(Hackers, Wings of the Dove, K-Pax,)this movie succeeds onseveral points.  The acting, though sometimes cliché, as a whole, comes across as genuine. 16 year old Eliza Bennett struggles at times to portray the 12 year old innocence of Megan, but overall does very well.  Indeed, some of the acting is very good; several of the interactions between Brendan Fraser and Paul Bettany are quite brilliant, and Andy Serkis comes across as a very believable villain.  If I had one complaint, it would probably be the storyline, which can prove confusing to audiences not familiar with the book itself.  However, what Inkheart lacks in story, it makes up in intensity.  The suspense and action never slow throughout the entire movie, and the momentum from the action carries through all the way to the end.  Inkheart is definitely not your average, slower paced children’s movie. 

Cautions:

• Some Relational Issues
• A brief moment of immodesty related to cleavage
• Some brief, mild violence
• Language
• Overall Dark Thematic Elements and Undertones

   The relational issues, violence, and the immodesty are very, very brief. The immodesty is in a brief scene where Dustfinger’s marten steals keys from Capricorn’s evil mother. The keys are in a rather revealing place, and although it isn’t all the way exposed, most parents will want to either skip the scene, or at least watch through it beforehand to determine if they want their children to see it.  The relational issues are between Megan and Mo, but nothing very major.  Finally, the bloodshed is little more than some hand to hand fighting, and a scene where Mo gets his arm cut with a knife. 

      More serious to most parents will be the language and the thematic elements.  In Inkheart’s defense, there is relatively little language, and it is clearly within the confines of its PG rating.  However, the vulgarity is not hidden or muffled in any way, and you would have to be deaf to miss the occurrences. 

      The thematic elements however, are probably the biggest caution I would have.  Obviously, Inkheart deals with magic, and while this might be a problem for some parents, I am mainly referring to the dark undertones present in the film.  There are very few light hearted scenes in the movie, and the villains are simply creepy.

      The language and the dark undertones are largely reflections of the book itself; although the movie deviates several times from the book Inkheart’s storyline, it manages to retain the occasional vulgarity and the dark and scary undertones present in its namesake.  Scenes where the evil characters break into a library and burn all the books, read a monster out of a book, and capture Mo and his daughter  come across as sinister and disturbing.  Overall, the dark feel of the movie will probably be the biggest concern most parents have about Inkheart.

Conclusion:     

      With a fascinating plot, and decent acting, Inkheart definitely makes for a good Friday night movie.  Older audiences, especially book lovers will probably enjoy the dry humor, and the tip of the hat this movie pays to many classic books such as The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings, and Peter Pan.  However, the subtle humor and book references will probably not resonate with younger viewers as much as the dark undercurrents that are prevalent.    In conclusion, I would definitely recommend Inkheart to more mature audiences, but would not promote the movie for younger viewers. Instead, I’d encourage parents to get The Lion, The Witch or the Wardrobe, or another fantasy movie with less intensity for those children who are not quite ready for the darker elements present in the film.