Knowing

If you're up for an edge-of-your-seat thought provoking thrill ride then this latest Nicolas Cage blockbuster is for you. Knowing is an intriguing suspense thriller that had me hiding under my coat for much of the movie. In fact, had not an old friend of mine been one of the writers, I highly doubt I would have dared to set foot in the theater after viewing the trailer. To be honest, I was a bit concerned about what I had gotten myself into after several previews for slasher/horror flicks that preceded the movie, but I braved my fears for the sake of helping contribute to the movie's eventual #1 box office slot for opening weekend. I must say, that despite jumping out of my seat with a yelp to the amusement of movie goers around me, I was quite impressed with the film.

Instead of just another spooky doomsday flick, this one wrestles with philosophical questions of the meaning of life while providing an action packed adrenaline rush. Nicolas Cage's character is a professor of astrophysics who, in an odd turn of events, finds himself deciphering a 50 year old list of numbers to determine when and where great catastrophes will occur. He begins his journey believing that everything is random and by then end of the film is realizing that everything had been determined beforehand. The philosophical aspect of the movie falls short there, without giving meaning or purpose to such determinism - something we can find in reality if we hold to a biblical world view. But hey, it was much more thought provoking then I ever imagined a suspense thriller to be! Many will note the obvious eschatological and apocalyptic themes throughout the movie. I, however, saw more of a modern day Noahic parable with recurring themes of destruction/judgment, pre-destination, election, redemption and salvation.

In my estimation, Knowing, was like The Sixth Sense meets Close Encounters of the Third Kind, with action sequences reminiscent of Independence Day. All great films, to which I think Knowing aspires. The destruction scenes in the movie were disturbingly intense, with amazing special effects. In the words of my screenwriter friend, Stuart Hazeldine, "I wouldn't have your grandma see it. It's pretty dark and scary in places, especially the disaster sequences." I would also recommend keeping the kids home too, otherwise you may be in for a few weeks of nightmares. I still peer out in the woods at night half expecting to see creepy men lurking on the edge...yikes! You know a suspense thriller has done it's job when it gets into your psyche for just a bit.

Well done, Stu! I give it:

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian has finally arrived and he did not disappoint! The movie started out with a bang and kept me on the edge of my seat from the start (and that's sayin' something since we just finished reading the book a few days ago!)

Obviously, some tweeking was done to the story to adapt it to the silver screen. As the novel is much more narrative, the film needed to deliver the same info and impact only more so visually. I do believe that the movie delivered an action packed adventure that kept the essence C.S. Lewis' novel alive. In fact, I quite enjoyed some of the additions in the battle sequences and relationship nuances that added to the intrique of the story.

My favorite character in Prince Caspian is the mouse, Reepicheep! He had the best one liners and stole the scenes quite a bit. I must say, he was awfully adorable for a talking rodent! Keep an eye out for how he deals with the cat - quite memorable.

My only complaint is that Bulgy Bear needed more screen time! He was just a giant teddy bear in the book and we only got a few glimpses of him in the film. I do hope he'll be back with a bit bigger bulgy role in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The creatures of Narnia were so real it was unbelievable. I truly felt transported to a different world. The special effects were so incredible, that I almost believed there could be talking mice, centaurs, Badger and Bulgy Bear. Likewise, the battle scenes and action sequences were quite realistic and could be a bit scary for the 10 and under crowd. The wolf and hag were enough to keep Buddy and I huddled together for a few minutes til the White Witch was defeated once and for all!

As we drove home tonight, I enjoyed listening to Darlin' discuss with her friend and me the many lessons to be learned from the movie. Here's just some of the insights my 12 year old and I gleaned from this blockbuster.

• As Christian we sometimes feel out of place in this world, just like the Pevensie children did back in England after living as Kings and Queens in Narnia. Our true home is heaven.
• Peter realized he needed to be seeking Aslan and not relying on his own sense of direction or strength.
• Sometimes we need to trust Christ and follow Him, like Lucy, even when no one else around us can or wants to see Him.
• When we try to do things our own way and not His way, it usually doens't work out too well.
• All of us, even the High King Peter, can be tempted by the "dark side" (oops, wrong movie!)
• Sometimes we long for proof of Christ in our life, just as Peter and Susan wish they had seen Aslan too when he appeared to Lucy.
• God uses the meakest to be the strongest, just like Reepicheep!

In honor of all the dear Narnians I give Prince Caspian top paw ratings!

(2 hrs. 20 min) Rated PG

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Today I finally had the opportunity to see Expelled and I gotta tell ya - it is a MUST SEE! Ben Stein does an excellent job of avoiding what could have been just-another-documentary by interspersing humor throughout the film. He does so, not only with his own dry wit, but by making creative use of old film clips to drive the points home.

I definitely appreciated the moments of levity, which helped me calm down between interviews of the many Darwinist scientists and their consistent insults toward anyone who considers the existence of God to be a plausible idea. I was amazed at how unabashedly these scientists referred to anyone who believes in Intelligent Design as "stupid and ignorant." Now, I could see them lumping me into that category as I have absolutely no scientific background, but I was appalled that they would do so quite vehemently in regard to their own peers - other scientists who are extremely intelligent! Basically, this movie revealed how much the freedom of ideas is being held hostage in numerous universities and institutions around the globe.

It was shocking to see some of the "logical" outcomes of Darwinism. Are you ready? Evolution, aliens, atheism, the Holocaust, abortion, euthanasia, Planned Parenthood, academic elitism, the suppression of freedom of inquiry, loss of free will and no hope. Just to name a few.

To see the teachers, scientists, journalists and others standing up, not necessarily for their own personal views but for the opportunity to allow debate, at the expense of their careers and reputations, was inspirational. Each of us needs to fight our own battle to have our questions asked and considered, even if they can't be answered by way of the scientific method.

I thoroughly enjoyed the explanations of the intricacies of DNA and a single cell. It was just enough to tweak my interest and remind me of how wonderfully created we are, as well as the universe in which live.

I give it:

(90 minutes; rated PG)

Hannah Montana

This weekend we surprised our cubs by taking them to see the Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour in Disney Digital 3-D!

I must say that it was a pretty fun experience. We all enjoyed the special 3-D effects - even in the previews - bonus!

It was fun to see the preparation for the concert and all the activity backstage. Getting a glimpse into Miley's life was cool and it was amazing to see how such a young girl handles being a star. Her parents were right there with her and it seems that they do a good job in the parenting department. So I don't mind my kids attending her "concert", watching her show or crooning her songs at the top of their lungs!

My only critique of the production is in the editing. I felt that there were too many things that were hinted at and never delivered. For instance, I was looking forward to a duet on stage with Billy Ray that was mentioned, even sat through the credits hoping it would be at the end. . .nope.

All in all I give it:Since it is geared toward kids, I thought it only fair that I let the cubs have their say. Naturally, they give it their stamp of approval with a rating of:

If you've got pre-teens who love to watch Hannah Montana, then this is a sure fire winner as a perfect Cub's Choice. Just be prepared to pay more at the box office for a "concert" - we paid $15 per ticket. That's a bit annoying since I know it doesn't cost them nearly as much to put together a concert as it does a multi-million dollar movie production. I just hope Miley picks an excellent college education as a result!


(1 hour 40 min. Rated G)

Life, Liberty and "The Pursuit of Happyness"

If ever you find yourself down and out, perhaps looking for work, feeling discouraged about your uphill battles and just wanting to hide under a blanket, then I suggest you watch The Pursuit of Happyness. If this movie doesn't help put things in perspective, make you feel much better about yourself and motivate you to pull yourself out of those depressing circumstances . . . I don't know what will!

It is an amazing story of Chris Gardner (masterfully portrayed by Will Smith) and his struggle to pursue the American dream all the while protecting his young son (played by Smith's real-life son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith - whose screen presence is worthy of such a big name!)

Will Smith surely earned his 2007 Oscar nod as he brilliantly draws us into the story and the heart of a man who, though broken, continues not just in pursuit of, but we are talking hot pursuit while running breathlessly after the seemingly elusive ideal of the American dream: a job, a home, a happy family.

Put this at the top of your Netflix queue and trust me, you'll be happy you did!

Hope you enjoyed my first installment of The Popcorn Diaries, Movie Reviews From the Den! Keep an eye out for my thoughts on some of these films: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Apollo 13, Groundhog Day and more!