Movie Review - War Room

The Kendrick brothers’ latest project is a box office triumph for the Christian film industry, where story, acting, and picture quality measure up to the best of Hollywood standards. 

Known for Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous, Alex and Stephen Kendricks have delivered a true, spiritual Christian story in War Room that delivers on many levels: humor, emotion, great storytelling, quirky characters, good acting, and beautiful sets and lighting that show great improvement in their filmmaking abilities. This movie is aimed more toward the true believer, particularly those who are used to fiery preaching from their local pulpits, complete with finger-pointing toward the devil to leave God’s people alone. There were a few such moments in the film that made me squirm, not because I was uncomfortable with the scene, but because I could visualize the scowls coming from some of my denominational friends and family. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe this movie will go over well with the uber religious crowd. But I believe that probably suits the Kendrick brothers just fine!

Starring acting unknowns, Priscilla Shirer (the well known Bible study teacher) and TC Stallings, the story centers around Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, an idyllic, successful married couple, complete with gorgeous dream home, two great jobs and a lovely daughter, Danielle (Alena Pitts). And yet all is not perfect. Tony is a workaholic, Elizabeth is dipping into the family savings account to help an unsavory family member, and Danielle struggles to maneuver the minefield of her parents’ dissension. Her passion for competitive double dutch (jump rope) seems pointless to Tony, and he doesn’t refrain from letting the criticisms fly. While Elizabeth tries her best to mend the hurts, the damage is telling. Immediately, the viewer senses that, unless changes are made, this family is headed for divorce.

The tide begins to turn when Miss Clara (played by Karen Abercrombie) comes into Elizabeth’s life. Miss Clara is a brash but loveable, older widow who hires Elizabeth’s real estate firm to sell her family home. At their first meeting, Elizabeth is intrigued, and perhaps a bit envious, with the wonderful memorabilia that fills the house. Miss Clara takes her on a tour of every room, describing memories of husband, children, and faith in God, all evidence of a life fully lived. But there is one room that is more special than the others: an empty closet in the upstairs bedroom with a lone wooden chair and the walls covered in written prayers. This room is what Miss Clara calls her “war room,” a place where she prays fervently for hours on end for her family and friends.

Miss Clara challenges Elizabeth to create her own war room for the purpose of praying for Tony and her marriage. At first Elizabeth scoffs, but as problems with her husband escalate, she decides to give it a try. This is where the Kendricks’ tasteful humor comes into play. Smelly feet, morning breath, snacking on potato chips while trying to pray, all provide a bit of levity to the story as Elizabeth struggles with the idea of pouring her heart out to God. Eventually, all clothes and accessories are removed from the master bedroom closet, and Elizabeth gets to the heavy duty of praying for her family. In an especially powerful scene, she heads outside and points her finger to the sky, declaring to the enemy forces that the battle is on. Priscilla Shirer is a real stand out in my opinion, and I hope we see her in more films.

*** SPOILER ALERT***

As Elizabeth prays in her newly constructed war room, Tony enjoys the perks that come with life as a high profile pharmaceutical rep. High accolades from his boss (played by Alex Kendrick) and cushy relationships with clients have tested his integrity and revealed his flawed character. It seems he has been pilfering drug samples for financial gain, and even toys with having an adulterous affair with a colleague. Temptation is about to claim its victory, when suddenly a bout of nausea overcomes him, hastening his return home. Little does he know, but at that moment, Elizabeth had been waging a war of prayer, pleading with the Lord to strengthen her husband.

Just when life seems to be on an uptick, the Johnsons’ world comes crashing down. Tony’s boss discovers the stolen drug samples and demands an explanation. Tony confesses to the crime and offers his resignation, fully expecting criminal charges to follow. But in an act of compassion, his boss declines to prosecute, believing that Tony is a changed man. Unbeknownst to Tony, the prayers have done their job, breaking his prideful spirit so that he can become the man God intended him to be. He finds Elizabeth’s war room and marvels at the written prayers covering the walls, all concerning him and his walk with the Lord. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the prayers have done a work on her as well, making her more gentle, forgiving, and loving toward her man. The evolution from hostile, marital dissension to a mended romance was very well done.

More wonderful scenes with Miss Clara are peppered throughout the movie, giving the viewer a true insight of the nature of a powerful prayer warrior who expects AND receives miraculous results. It was a conviction and encouragement to me to never give up or quit, to keep praying for the desires of my heart, and then to keep on praying. And then perhaps pray some more!

Watching War Room was like having a good dose of church, but more powerful and persuasive than most bricks and mortar church I have attended. It is a great movie-going experience that should not be missed by any Christian who wants to see changes in Hollywood. It is still in theaters as of this writing, so get out to your local theater and support this fantastic film! 

If I Stay

If I Stay is a sweet, coming-of-age flick that has sufficient adult themes to keep the savvy moviegoer intrigued. As I watched, I found that the seventeen-year-old in me emerged, harkening back to the days when John Hughes films, like Pretty In Pink and The Breakfast Club, were on my list of favorites.

Based on the best-selling novel by Gayle Forman, the story chronicles the tragic life of Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz), who is maneuvering her senior year in high school. Smart, pretty, and extremely talented, Mia has aspirations to enter Julliard in the fall as a concert cellist. As one would expect, she is focused, driven, and disciplined, even when distracted by the attentions of a hunky wannabe rocker, Adam Wilde (Jamie Blackley). Fortunately, her parents' bohemian, artsy attitude help keep her well-grounded, enabling her to balance academics, music, as well as a burgeoning romance.

All seems to be going to plan, until a snow day sends Mia and her family on a day trip to visit her grandparents' farm. As the car travels down the wintery road, Mia gazes out the window, her mind full of peaceful, ethereal sounds from her cello. Flashbacks take the viewer to a time to when she was a tiny girl, infatuated with this large, stringed instrument. Her passion eclipses anything her parents have experienced in the rock-n-roll world, and they soon realize they have a prodigy on their hands.

There is a wonderful scene where Mia's dad, Denny (Joshua Leonard), sinks to the floor outside her bedroom late one night and listens to her play. In a fleeting moment, he realizes his mediocre talent pales in comparison to her extraordinary ability. Mia's mother, Kat (Mireille Enos), joins him, thinking something tragic has happened, but Denny explains his revelation in a very tender exchange that grips the heart. They are overjoyed that their daughter has been touched by something that can only be described as divine.

Set on nurturing Mia's talent, Denny quits his band and takes on a teaching position to pay for private music tutors. He never tells Mia the truth of his decision, leaving her to conclude it is because of the birth of little brother, Teddy (Jakob Davies). More flashbacks take the viewer closer in time to when Mia's passionate playing of the cello catches Adam's interest for the first time. He asks her out on a date to a cello recital, and a relationship is spawned.

** SPOILER ALERT **

Up until this point, the film appears to be a benign teen flick where the main characters are conflicted by their differences in musical taste and talent and the pangs of being separated after graduation. But then the flashbacks take the viewer to current time as the family travels the snow-covered roads toward their destination. In a sudden plot twist, the car collides with an oncoming truck, bringing the music in Mia's mind to an abrupt halt.

Mia awakens on the side of the road while paramedics try to revive her. Through an out-of-body experience, she attempts in vain to communicate with them, but it is clear she has entered another dimension. White sheets, blood, and bodies on stretchers reveal the shocking truth that her beloved parents have died. Before Mia can discover what happened to Teddy, she is whisked away in an ambulance, her condition critical.

The remainder of the movie takes place in the hospital where Mia's body lies in a comatose state while her soul lingers near Teddy's bedside, hoping he will make it through. Her grandparents arrive, and the grief they experience tempts her to give up and die as well. A nice spiritual moment has a caring nurse tell the unconscious Mia it is her decision to go or stay. As Teddy shows improvement, Mia vows to live for his sake.

This notion of choosing whether to live or die when death whispers its temptations is an interesting thought that gives the story depth. All of us Christians have read the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians where he described his dilemma over choosing to die and be with the Lord or stay in his body and continue ministering to the church. This is a powerful spiritual concept that many of us believers haven't grasped, but it is an issue that Mia must face. Will Teddy's survival be enough to have her chose life over death? Or is there something else beyond family and music worth fighting-and living-for?

The movie picks up here and concentrates on the romance between Mia and Adam. Through more flashbacks, the viewer gets the sense this relationship is much more than a high school fling doomed to fade at the advent of college. Mia thinks she has found her soulmate in this young musician who values her talents and music aspirations, but when Julliard becomes a possibility, trouble begins. As it turns out, Adam isn't as supportive as she had hoped. To his mind, Mia should sacrifice her plans for his, agreeing to accompany him on the road as he takes his successful band on tour. While I wasn't thrilled with some of the sexual overtones in some of the scenes, I did like the tender moments between Mia and Kat where loving, practical advice on young romance was espoused. The sacrificial love Kat and Denny have for their daughter and her dream is what sold me on this film.

When Teddy succumbs to death, Mia is faced with the grueling decision of living out her life and enduring the pains of grief or give up and meet her family on the other side. Her condition worsens and the odds of her recovery narrow. In a touching scene at her hospital bedside, her grandpa reluctantly, yet lovingly, gives her permission to die.

Just when the audience is convinced this story will end on a depressing note, Adam rushes to her bedside to lend his support, but the nurses will not let him through; he isn't immediate family, and yet, ironically, he knows what she needs to hold on to life. Through some careful maneuvering, he is able to get to her bedside just as she is about to slip over into death. As her soul walks toward a bright light, Mia hears the beautiful cello performance from her Julliard audition now playing from Adam's phone. He reads from her acceptance letter and vows to follow her to New York to help live out her dream- if she will only stay.

I won't give away the ending, but I'm sure you can guess how things end up. Sometimes with a great story, it isn't the outcome, but the ride the character takes to reach an expected conclusion. Holding on tight to a dream and never giving up despite the terrible obstacles is a universal theme that resonates in the hearts of so many people, especially Christians desiring to advance God's kingdom. Will all of us choose to stand our ground and live the life the heavenly father has destined for us, or will we give up, cave in and quit?

If I Stay is entertaining, insightful, and surprisingly uplifting despite its tragic turns. A nice little gem of a film!

Moms' Night Out

Moms’ Night Out is a fun little family comedy that reminded me of my younger days when I was maneuvering marriage, a burgeoning career as a writer, and three little children born in three years. I remember the constantly messy family room, the scribbling on walls, and my hard-working husband trying his best to cope with my metamorphosis from career-driven wife to stay-at-home mom. Fortunately for me, I was able to hire a part-time nanny to help out, whereas the main character in this movie, Allyson (played by Sarah Drew from Grey’s Anatomy) does not.

As expected, chaos reigns in Allyson’s life from morning till night, and the only reprieve is a secret hiding place in her closet where oodles of candy, old black and white movies, and memories of what her legs used to look like in her favorite, sexy, strappy high heels provide temporary comfort. Her well-meaning husband, Sean (Sean Astin), tries to lend a hand but is more preoccupied with the newest video games to fill his free time. Her friends are saddled with their own domestic burdens, and her sister-in-law, Bridget (Abbie Cobb), only adds to the drama by unloading her only kid at short notice when the mood strikes. The pastor’s wife, Sondra (Patricia Heaton), offers encouragement, but advice isn’t what Allyson needs. While she adores her three children and is still in love with her husband, she comes to realize that being solely a wife and mother isn’t enough. Even though it is what she has always wanted in life, there is something missing in her heart.

During a boring, superficial book club meeting, Allyson and her best friend, Izzy (Andrea Logan White), hatch a plan to get dressed up, go to dinner, and have a fun night on the town—a mom’s night out. They invite Sondra and the date is set. The hubbies will take care of the kids while the ladies have a nice time, sans cell phones and other distractions that could spoil the evening. But before the night begins, disaster seems to be lurking at every turn. Sean invites his derelict friend to help babysit, Sondra’s teenage daughter has a delinquent moment, Bridget dumps off her kid for another evening of free babysitting, and the restaurant loses the ladies’ reservation (a funny scene). And then to make matters worse, Allyson’s minivan is stolen (or is it?).

** SPOILER ALERT **

From here, the movie turns into a bit of a silly caper flick. Mixed signals and miscommunications from Sean and the other husbands send Allyson and her friends on a wild goose chase to rescue the children from a supposed kidnapper. If it weren’t for Drew’s cute personality and funny antics, the second act would be a bit of a bore. Also, one can’t ignore the wonderful Trace Adkins, who helps the film along with his words of wisdom and witty humor that made me laugh. I also loved Heaton’s performance and admired how she used her comedic talents to reveal the flaws of a pastor’s wife without being offensive. These three performances are the glue that hold the film together till the finale.

The ending works nicely with Allyson coming to terms with the chaos in her life. Even though none of the children were truly in danger, the notion of losing her family so swiftly and unexpectantly brings thoughtful reflection. So what if the kitchen is a mess and the family room untidy? She has three healthy, thriving kids who are safe and happy and a wonderful, yet flawed husband her loves her and believes in her talents. As it turns out, she has everything she needs to be content and fulfilled, and the scribbled picture on the wall that her daughter drew is a reminder of this revelation. No longer a mark to be covered by a fresh coat of paint, the crude drawing of a joyous family has become a poetic masterpiece that requires a picture frame to preserve its message. It is a reminder to all of us parents to count our children and families as our greatest blessings from the Lord.

The final scene has Allyson spending a quiet moment in front of her computer before the house stirs with the clamoring of little people. With a hot cup of coffee at her side, she gazes out the window and smiles, her fingers poised over the keys as she prepares to share her thoughts in a blog post. There is hope in knowing she is not alone in her busy world, but that she is connected to a vast fellowship of creative stay-at-home moms (and dads, as the case may be) who long to be validated and recognized. Something the world should appreciate a little more.

Moms' Night Out is a nice little film that is entertaining and thought provoking, especially for us writers and work-at-home folk. Watch it and enjoy!

Million Dollar Arm

Sports enthusiasts will love this inspirational film based on a true story about a down-and-out sports agent who goes on an unusual search for fresh major league baseball talent. 

Jon Hamm stars as JB Bernstein who has just lost “the big client” that would have launched his sports management firm into the stratosphere. With no other prospects and his Chinese investor itching to pull the plug, he and his business partner get a hair-brained idea to scour India for a cricket bowler who could possibly become a major league baseball pitcher.  The Chinese investor signs on to their idea and agrees to launch a reality show in India titled “Million Dollar Arm,” where young cricket players compete for two coveted spots to travel to America. There, they will endure intensive training in hopes to be drafted onto major league teams.

The fun starts when Hamm travels to India to set up the reality show. Like most Type A Americans, he hopes to get things rolling quickly and efficiently in just a matter of weeks. But obstacles await him at every turn as he tries in vain to get production off the ground. India moves at a slower pace, and bureaucracy and strange business dealings tend to create bottlenecks which create long delays. As a result, Hamm is forced to be patient and methodical when his natural instinct is to be rash and impulsive—a great lesson that plays out nicely in his character arc.

With the help of an adorable and over-eager assistant, Amit (Pitobash), the kinks get worked out and the competition begins. Expecting to discover true cricket players who actually know how to throw a ball, Hamm and his recruiting team are stunned to find very little talent among the enormous turn-out of contenders. His professional scout, Ray (played by Alan Arkin – one of my favorite actors), sets up a folding chair and dozes through the entire try-out, offering a few witty quips here and there. The talent truly is atrocious, almost like round one of American Idol, which offers some expected, hearty laughs. Eventually, after much deliberation, two players emerge as possibilities: Dinesh (Madhur Mittal) and Rinku (Suraj Sharma).  The two Indian boys kiss their families good-bye and accompany Hamm back to the US.

As one would expect, an aggressive, success-driven sports agent and two uncultured foreigners living in a pristine bachelor pad causes a host of problems. First, the boys know very little English, they wake at the early hours to pray and burn incense, they experiment with beer, over-indulge on pizza and junk food, and generally wreak havoc in Hamm’s life. Being a confirmed bachelor with a structured schedule, he doesn’t take too kindly to his life being interrupted and digs being destroyed, and it isn’t long before his anger toward them takes its toll. As it turns out, they aren’t developing in their pitching skills as well as was hoped, and so Hamm starts to look for other options.

The boys quickly catch on that they have fallen out of favor with Hamm and make plans to return home. But before final decisions are made, they receive encouragement from Brenda (Lake Bell), an attractive doctor who rents Hamm’s pool house. Brenda is friendly and kind and convinces the boys to stick with it and not give up too quickly. At the same time, she and Hamm form an attraction which blossoms from romance into a deeper friendship. She confronts him with his selfishness and helps him realize how unfair he has been to these two young Indians. Convicted, Hamm decides to turn over a new leaf and nurture them – not as clients – but as sons, and the results are palpable. He gets personally involved in their training, and the boys start to improve. History is made and the two became the first Indians to secure major league contracts.

There are some good performances by Bill Paxton, the boys’ trainer, and of course, Alan Arkin, as mentioned earlier, who always makes me laugh. Jon Hamm is wonderful and reminded me of a young Harrison Ford and Aaron Eckhart all rolled into one. Since I’m not a Mad Men fan, I wasn’t familiar with Hamm’s work, but this performance convinced me he is a solid, Hollywood leading man. We will definitely be seeing more of him on the big screen.

Go see this film and be inspired. Stories about big, impossible dreams becoming a reality and faith against the odds are tales that live with many of us for years to come. I also like seeing the selfish, materialistic capitalist go from being greedy and self-centered to being loving, nurturing and sacrificial. That is always a nice touch. And of course, being based on a true story always makes a movie that much better!

Mrs. Doubtfire

In the wake of Robin Williams’ untimely death, I thought I would review one of his most popular family classics, Mrs. Doubtfire.

It’s hard to imagine someone with such an unusual command of the art of comedy ending his life so tragically. Like many fans, I am still bewildered that this could have happened, and at the ripe age of 63, but I guess my confusion reveals an ignorance of the power of depression. Sadly, addiction to alcohol and drugs, and the damage from a sad, lonely childhood, among other things, eventually won out, robbing the world of Williams’ extraordinary gift. However, I am so very thankful that his humor, wit, and one-of-a-kind hilarity are preserved for us and future generations in such wonderful films as Dead Poets Society, RV, Good Will Hunting, Aladdin, and of course, Mrs. Doubtfire. 

I was a bit teary-eyed when I pulled the DVD from my private movie library and popped it into the Blu-ray. Long ago, I fell in love with Euphegenia Doubtfire, as did Sally Field (sporting an adorable bob) and her three kids, Chris, Lydia and Natalie. The intimidation from those steely, blue eyes, mannish appearance, and strict, British decorum fades away at the sound of Mrs. Doubtfire’s gentle Scottish brogue peppered with “dear” after every other word. With a tongue as sharp as a whip, she has the ability to pinpoint the root of the problem, figuratively cut it out, all the while building up everyone’s self-esteem and getting plenty of laughs along the way. I’m reminded of Tyler Perry’s Madea character and Dustin Hoffman’s Dorothy Michaels in another favorite, Tootsie.

As most of you probably know, when I speak of Mrs. Doubtfire, I am speaking of Robin Williams in drag hamming it up in his usual spastic, almost schizophrenic style. But before the comedy takes off, the story starts tragically with the cloud of an impending divorce looming over the family. Once again, Williams has lost his job as a voice-over actor leaving the financial responsibilities to his high-powered interior designer wife (Field) who has just taken on a fabulous new client, played by Pierce Brosnan. After coming home to their posh San Francisco mansion and finding the house in a wreck, Field takes action and files for separation. Because of Williams’ erratic behavior, he loses custody of the children until the court determines he can hold down a job and attain a suitable place to live.

Since Williams is a man who adores his children and can’t imagine going a single day without seeing them, he takes drastic measures to ensure his rightful place as their father. Using his brother’s skills at theater makeup and prosthetics, he conjures up a disguise of a frumpy, middle-aged English woman with years of experience as a nanny. The disguise, complete with an affected Scottish/English accent, is so good that it fools the entire family, enabling him to land a position as their part-time housekeeper. 

Where Williams was sloppy and irresponsible as a selfish husband, Mrs. Doubtfire is neat and tidy, cleaning the house from top to bottom, getting the children to finish their homework, and making sure a healthy, gourmet meal is on the table by the time Field returns home from work. She even takes the time to sit at the kitchen table and have long, heart-felt, woman-to-woman talks with Field. Before long, the entire family falls for the eccentric English marm, harboring no suspicions that she is really their dad in drag. Not until an inopportune bathroom moment reveals the truth to Chris and Lydia. After getting over the initial shock, they agree to keep Williams’ ruse a secret from Field and Natalie.

There is so much I love about this movie, one of them being Pierce Brosnan, who plays the straight man to Williams’ quirky comedian. Looking dapper and elegant, he is the antithesis of Williams and is a viable competitor for the family’s affections. As he makes the moves on Field, Mrs. Doubtfire ratchets up her sharp tongue, letting zingers fly that make everyone cringe. I have to admit, some of them border on an R rating, but since they come at a fast-paced staccato style from a humorous Williams, they whizz by before the viewer has time to ponder what was said. This is the genius of Williams’ comedy – he always seemed to be one step ahead of his audience, taking us down funny roads full of wonderful jokes and imitations that keep the senses moving at lightning speed!

** SPOILER ALERT **

As in most great Hollywood comedies, there are hilarious romps that keep the audience in stitches while Williams maneuvers keeping Mrs. Doubtfire’s identity a secret from the court liaison, his future employer, and most importantly, Field. But surprisingly, when the truth is revealed, it is done in a way that saves Brosnan, Williams’ nemesis. Even though it was performed in typical Robin Williams’ style, it was a selfless act of love, putting the needs and desires of Field and his children above his own.

The ending is perfect, with the family coming to a place of restoration, though not what many of us Christians would like to see. Williams and Field remain divorced, but he resumes his place in the children’s lives as the loving, funny dad, complete with new job that enables Mrs. Doubtfire to live on and share her unusual love to the entire world.

A final message is delivered by Mrs. Doubtfire on her highly ranked television show, encouraging children of divorce to disbelieve the lie that they are somehow at fault. Divorce is a decision made by two adults that in no way reflects their love for their children. It touched my heart to think that perhaps one broken child might hear this message from a funny-looking comedian dressed like a woman and be delivered from the guilt that comes from a fractured home. This scene alone should be enough to make Robin Williams proud.

Besides the impeccable humor, he has left all of us movie-lovers a wonderful legacy in Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire! Robin Williams, you and Mrs. Doubtfire will be sorely missed!

Movie Review - The Guilt Trip

For the past several months, I kept stumbling across this little film while perusing the Netflix comedy category, looking for nice, family friendly romcoms. I was convinced a Seth Rogen/Barbra Streisand duo would be nothing short of the typical Hollywood raunch fare that my Christian sensibilities can’t stomach, but was I wrong! The Guilt Trip is a wonderful, warm-hearted, funny film that made me laugh and cry the whole way through. After watching, I posted a quick comment on Facebook and received numerous responses from women my age (mostly moms of teenage sons) who loved it as well. I have put it on my “buy” list to include in my favorite movie stash.

For those of us who have grown sons, a story of a single mom/son road trip has the potential to touch our hearts based on the subject matter alone. However, most of us realize that such a scenario in real life would mean things are very desperate, indeed. I can’t imagine my eighteen-year-old son ever wanting to take a week-long excursion in a small economy car with me in a million years, but as a mama, I think it might be fun!

The same is true for Barbra Streisand’s character, Joyce Brewster. A frugal widow who lives for her only son, Andrew (Seth Rogen), Joyce jumps at the chance to accompany him on a cross country trip to help promote his environmentally friendly cleaning product called Scioclean. With a strange name, poor packaging, and an even poorer sales pitch, Andrew has had zero success in marketing his invention and needs a miracle before his last dollar runs out. Before he embarks on one last sales trip, he makes a quick stop home, only to discover a secret from his mother’s past. Apparently, she had been in love with someone else before marrying Andrew’s father and even named Andrew after this man. As expected, Andrew is shocked and a little disturbed at this revelation but becomes intrigued when an Internet search reveals that this mysterious ex-boyfriend is a successful advertising mogul for a large ad agency in San Francisco. A plan is hatched to capitalize on this fortuitous stroke of luck, and with some subtle maneuvering, Andrew convinces Joyce to join him all the way to the final sales meeting which will end in– you guessed it – the Bay area. Not knowing his ulterior motives, Joyce delights in the idea that her darling son genuinely wants to spend quality time with her.

At first, the movie is a tad slow, and the humor is more Streisand being the stereotypical, over-protective and over-indulgent Jewish mother. I laughed at some of the mom jokes, like her zany books on tape, refilling used plastic water bottles from the tap, and dangling her special purse hook from tables—all of which would mortify my kids if they witnessed me do such things. Like most mothers, Joyce tries to be supportive and encouraging when Andrew’s sales efforts fall flat, but her constructive suggestions backfire and only create division and strife. About half-way through the movie, they have a big blow up and things get very interesting. Andrew has to rescue her from a group of drunk men in a hotel bar who don’t know the word “no.”

The drama and sweetness of Andrew taking a punch to the nose in an effort to protect his mama’s honor is followed by one of the most hilarious scene in the film, and it takes place in a Texas steakhouse, of all places. Being a Southerner, I was ignorant of the fact that there are many such restaurants in the longhorn state that offer a free dinner and tee shirt to those who can scarf up a 50 ounce steak with all the fixings and keep it down. Again, being the frugal parent, Joyce volunteers and sets out to finish off a loaded baked potato, salad, and big ole whopper of a steak in one sitting. It may not sound funny reading this, but trust me when I say that Streisand’s kooky mannerisms and feminine sensibilities are classic comedy fare, reminding me of some of her best movies like, What’s Up Doc?, The Way We Were, and A Star is Born. Just love me some Barbra!

** SPOILER ALERT **

There are more tender scenes and plenty of laughs, but the ending is what cinched it for me. Andrews goes from being a boring, narrow-minded salesman, to a bold, out-of-the box marketer who (with the help of his dear mother) finds an ingenious way to sell his special cleaner. Joyce, on the other hand, goes from being a devoted mom who lives only for her son, to a newly enlightened woman who decides to give romance with a handsome Texan a chance. As for the old boyfriend in San Francisco, I won’t give anything away, other than to say that there is a nice surprise waiting in the storyline. Great screenwriting that brought a tear to my eye!

But the best scene of all is at the end, in the airport, as they are about to say good-bye. Joyce’s final words to Andrew struck me straight in the core of my heart. As she so aptly concludes, had she ended up with the San Francisco boyfriend, she would’ve never had Andrew, and Andrew is all that matters. She tells him that life for her has always been about Andrew – that he is the love of her life. Oh, what a clincher! Doesn’t the mother in you wanna bawl? Well, I sure did. 

Who can begin to explain the unfathomable love a mother has for her son? How will our children ever understand that what may seem like a sacrifice for their happiness isn't really a sacrifice at all--it is just the natural part of being a loving parent. This movie captures that wonderful truth beautifully! Sacrifice because of love is the inherent truth of the Gospel message. Let's make sure we pass it on!

The Paradise

Lovers of the British series, Downton Abbey, have probably discovered PBS’s latest jewel in historical programming—The Paradise. With all the deluge of great television programs, many people are finding the writing and storylines of TV shows more compelling and entertaining than theatrical films. That certainly is the case with me. In particular, I have become a huge fan of Masterpiece on PBS where wonderful shows like Sherlock (I’m a huge Benedict Cumberbatch fan), Cranford, and Downton Abbey surpass much of what comes out of Hollywood.

The Paradise has been the most recent Masterpiece serial keeping me glued to the edge of my sofa every Sunday night for weeks now—even my husband is hooked. Curiously, it is about a Victorian-era English department store, much like the BBC serial, Mr. Selfridge, starring Jeremy Piven. Having worked in retail management for years after college, I couldn’t imagine a more uninteresting setting for a period drama than a department store, but it turns out I was wrong. Mystery, drama, romance, jealously, unrequited love, and even murder are part of the plot in this fascinating story.

The star is the beautiful, independent, inquisitive, and highly creative Denise (played by Joanna Vanderham) who becomes a shop girl at the elegant department store known as The Paradise. Denise is angelic and naïve, yet wise beyond her years—a powerful combination that enables her to successfully maneuver the political climate of the ladies ready-to-wear section. Historically, seniority and position take precedence over business acumen, but when the dashing store owner, John Moray (played by Emun Elliot), sees her head for business, Denise quickly becomes his favorite employee.

The drama ignites when Denise finds herself falling in love with Mr. Moray. Dark and brooding, Moray is a widower with an eye for the ladies but no real intention of remarrying. It is unclear whether he suffers from guilt over his wife’s mysterious death or whether he is broken-hearted over his loss. The wealthy Katherine Glendenning (played by Elaine Cassidy) believes she can warm his frosty heart—and almost succeeds until Denise enters the picture. Elaine Cassidy is a great actress who skillfully morphs Katherine’s character from a kind, good-natured aristocrat to a desperate, conniving monster. Nevertheless, she is a sympathetic antagonist, mainly because Moray toys with her emotions, hoping to secure access to her father’s money.

Another beloved character is Miss Audrey (played by Sarah Lancashire), who heads up the ready-to-wear department. Business-minded but lacking in innovation, Miss Audrey is a Victorian feminist who dons her corset and curls, putting in long, hard hours for a company she has come to love. Initially, she resents Denise’s unique ability to generate clever sales ideas, but eventually decides to use them to her benefit. She is a likeable, sad woman who forsook love and marriage for career. Occasionally, the loneliness that accompanies her decision creeps into her mind, haunting her with what “could have been,” but she easily brushes it aside. She is an interesting study on the human desire to substitute work for human affection. There are many people today who can relate to Miss Audrey’s dilemma.

A notable difference in this drama versus other BBC period-pieces is the lack of opulence in clothing and setting. Particularly, Katherine’s dresses are very garish and almost cartoonish and her home looks like a modern-day country club mansion. The store is beautiful, but not nearly as decorative as the one in Mr. Selfridge. Denise is beautiful, but since all shop girls are required to wear the same black dress each day, her attire is a bit dowdy. Her uncle, a dressmaker, sews a lovely blue silk ensemble, but its high neckline and prominent darts are unbecoming. But despite all of that, the overall look of the show and entertainment value doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the final episode is a cruel cliffhanger!

Will Denise and Moray be together? Can their love withstand the evil plans of Katherine Glendenning? Answer: gotta wait till next season. Until then, I guess I’ll have to settle for more of Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Sounds like a pretty good plan to me! 

Movie Review - The Amazing Spiderman

Summer may be over, but the memory of great superhero movies still linger in the mind—even though I’m far from being a kid. Recently, my son chastised me for not agreeing that the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, is the greatest movie ever made. Batman may be cool, but I’m going to stick with The Amazing Spiderman as a much better superhero flick. I like Spiderman as a character and find him to be a more agreeable masked vigilante than the caped crusader of Gotham. He isn’t dark and demonic and besides, he can fly (not float) through the streets of New York City and has a really nifty suit—much better than Superman, in my opinion.

I especially liked this characterization of the Marvel hero, played by Andrew Garfield of The Social Network fame—a very talented actor who sizzles on screen. I liked the Tobey Maguire versions, but this rendition was different and much more memorable. It helped that Garfield’s love interest is Emma Stone, one of my favorite young actresses. The night of their romantic interlude is very well done, combining tenderness and passion with impending doom lurking in the background. Garfield does an amazing job with this scene, relaying a boyish innocence with masculine assuredness. I believe we will be seeing a lot more of this actor in the coming years.

Likewise, Stone is fabulous as Gwen Stacey, who is smart, funny, adorable, and clues in quickly to Spider-man’s true identity, making her very believable. Remember those old Superman movies where it took Lois Lane the longest time to figure out that Clark Kent looked exactly like Superman, sans the black glasses? For a sharp news reporter, she was certainly lacking in the common sense department. Not so with this Gwen Stacey.

Besides all of the fun action and tender romance, this story of Peter Parker discovering his true identity and calling in life is another one of those Christ-like tales that intrigue me. My children roll their eyes when I relay all the spiritual elements I see in Hollywood films, thinking I read God and Jesus into everything. Well, the Bible does say that He holds everything together by His powerful word! (Hebrews 1:3). And so as I watched this film, I immediately thought of David, the young shepherd boy who was tucked away into obscurity tending his sheep, and then is suddenly anointed King of Israel, destined to fight the evil Goliath using God’s supernatural power. No one can convince me the Bible isn’t the blueprint for all of these superhero stories, which explains why they garner such interest and intrigue, generation after generation. God is the originator of everything—even exciting, superhero action stories.

What is special about this movie is the plot and how the story fills in some holes regarding Spiderman’s evolution from a young, teenage boy who is nothing other than a nerd suffering at the hands of tough, school-yard bullies, to the savior of the world. We witness Peter haphazardly learning about his father’s discoveries in the area of genetic modification, along with his connection with Oscorp, a highly sophisticated pharmaceutical and research laboratory led by Dr. Curtis Conner, one of his father’s old colleagues. Intrigued, Peter poses as an intern and sneaks into Oscorp, where he is accidentally bitten by a genetically-modified spider.

The fun begins when Peter heads home and discovers an amazing, super-human strength and agility that defy logic. The filmmakers do a very good job of combining jaw-dropping special effects, along with humor woven into the dramatic moments. We learn about the genesis of the unusual spandex suit (an amusing scene) and his reasoning for fighting crime. It didn’t start out for altruistic reasons, as I originally thought. Instead, it was just plain ole guilt over his Uncle Ben’s murder that propelled Peter to use his newfound strength to hunt down the criminal. As a result, the city of New York ends up with a few less bad guys roaming the streets, which doesn’t please the police department in the least. Captain George Stacy (Denis Leary), who happens to be Gwen’s father, issues a department-wide manhunt for this masked man who flies around the city at night rounding up murders and thieves.

** Spoiler Alert **

Peter finally meets up with Dr. Conner at his home and learns of Oscorp’s mission to use cross-species genetics to re-grow lost limbs. Missing his own right arm has made Dr. Conner extremely motivated to complete the research, but pressure from his superior threatens the fulfillment of these plans. In desperation, the well-meaning Dr. Conner tests his limb-growing research on himself, and mayhem ensues. He morphs into a horrible, destructive monster, with Spiderman becoming his number one target. The story propels into high gear, as Peter is forced to turn away from avenging his uncle’s death and concentrate solely on saving the people of New York—especially Gwen, with whom he has fallen in love.

The final showdown with Dr. Conner is spectacular and exciting, as with any superhero movie. Gwen is rescued from what would normally be certain death, but her father, Captain Stacey, sacrifices himself and is mortally wounded. In his dying breath, he has Peter promise to stay away from Gwen forever—ugh!  My heart sunk when Peter/Spiderman agreed. Why can’t our superheroes be with the women they love? Why must they be lonely and mysterious, hidden away and unapproachable?

The spiritual side of me would explain something about sin separating man from God until Jesus, the ultimate savior came, or something along those lines that would bring another roll of the eyes from my sweet kids. But then again, maybe elusive heroes simply make a story more interesting and compelling, because we, the viewer, want the opportunity to get behind the mask and see who the real man is—to see what makes his heart tick. Again, the spiritual side of me would say the real man is Jesus and His heart is driven with love for all mankind. Another roll of the eyes. 

Maybe elusive superheroes make for big, lucrative, blockbuster movie sequels that make everyone happy, including me. It is no surprise that The Amazing Spiderman 2 is being scripted at this very moment, with a tentative release date of 2014. 

Now that should bring a smile.

Movie Review - Skyfall

I’ve always been a fan of James Bond movies, from my first Sean Connery film years ago when cable became popular. Being an anglophile and a connoisseur of mystery and intrigue, I fell in love with the spy gadgets, the beautiful girls and exotic locations, the Aston Martin, the fast-paced chase scenes, and of course, the British (or Scottish) accent. But it wasn’t until Casino Royale with the fabulous Daniel Craig, that I saw a truly romantic Bond. Readers of this column know I’m a real sucker for romance, especially stories where either the hero or heroine makes the ultimate sacrifice for love. If you’ve seen Casino Royale, you know what I mean.

Many of my lady friends aren’t the least bit interested in a Bond movie, despite my efforts to sell them on Craig’s rendition of the special agent. Like Casino Royale, Skyfall is another example of a very different Bond from the one we’ve seen from other actors. He’s tender and romantic, full of a wide range of emotions, without compromising his strength and manliness. He is vulnerable and invincible at the same time, more of a likeable hero for the typical romance-loving female viewer.  And Skyfall goes even further than Casino Royale, delivering another twist on the character—the story goes back to Bond’s childhood home where the tragic loss of his parents marked him for life. And the love interest isn’t Moneypenny or the lovely eye candy who is murdered halfway through the film. No, it is none other than M.

What? An intimate portrayal with Dame Judi Dench? Yes, but it is a touching display of a mother-son love rather than the typical male-female relationship seen in a Bond film. The scene is staged from the opening sequence where M calls the shots from her cushy office in London while 007 races around Istanbul, chasing down a bad guy with a very important computer file. A sniper (Moneypenny) stands ready to take down the enemy, but it’s too close to call—Bond could be killed if she can’t get a clear view. But M can’t risk losing that computer file—she orders the sniper to take the shot. Bond falls from a moving train into a roaring river, seemingly as dead as a doornail.

But as to be expected, there is a marvelous resurrection and the story is off and running. Is Bond so indispensable to M that she would so callously risk his life? After a terrorist explosion of MI headquarters that destroys M’s office and kills eight agents, Bond returns from his island refuge in a veiled attempt to offer his help. He is angry at M and confronts her over the decision to order the sniper’s fire. Even though she is professional and authoritarian, defending her decision, we sense their close connection that is special and unique. After a grueling round of field agent tests, M reinstates Bond as Agent 007, and it is business as usual to track down the mastermind behind the explosion and the missing computer file. Only later, we learn that Bond failed the competency tests. A crack in M’s armor shows a guilty conscience, as well as a desire to see him restored to success.

The main reason I liked this movie is that it was so different and strange, so unexpected. It was deep and cerebral, with M being the focal part of the story. Since I’m a huge Judi Dench fan, I was delighted in a greater development of her role. I have always found the M character interesting and enjoyed getting just a glimpse of her backstory. But sadly for Bond fans, her propensity to sacrifice agents for the greater good catches up with her, and an eerie, almost comical madman (played very well by the great Javier Bardem) seeks revenge. Once a brilliant field agent himself, he had shared a special relationship with M, but in the end, had been sacrificed. He survived, but is left with a set of rotten teeth and a melted jaw-bone from a defective cyanide tablet. And not only that, but his bad, 80s-style hair-do, orangey dye-job, and a creepy lunatic personality that mimics a cross between Hannibal Lector and Bozo the clown, makes him a most unusual villain. I couldn’t decide whether he was terrifying or comical. But his character works and adds to the strangeness of the film.

***Spoiler ALERT***

The final showdown has Bond and M together at his old home, Skyfall, in Scotland, with the climax occurring in a little chapel outside the estate grounds. As M dies in Bond’s arms, she looks into his eyes as though she is looking into the face of her only child and says, “Well, I got one thing right.” Oh, I gulp as I write these words, remembering that tender moment. Craig plays the emotions beautifully, and the result is a Bond who has become a real flesh and bones man who women want to be with and men want to be.

Skyfall is a fun, interesting, different film that entertains and will have you thinking and pondering for days after. And ladies, if you haven’t been a Bond fan in the past, give this version a try. Daniel Craig doesn’t disappoint, and you’ll come away seeing the real man behind the clichéd 007 persona.

Movie Review - North and South

With slim pickings at the theater, I decided to review one of my favorite TV miniseries from the 80s, North and South, based on the Civil War novels by John Jakes. Fortunately, a recent outing at Walmart landed me in the DVD aisle where I stumbled upon the entire three part collection (approximately 1400 minutes!) for a mere twenty dollars. My husband and I have been glued to the television ever since, engrossed in a compelling, action-packed drama that borders on the melodrama at times, but thoroughly entertains. I especially liked seeing Patrick Swayze, one of my favorite actors, with his long hair and Civil War regalia, sweeping the gorgeous Leslie-Anne Down off her feet. He was a wonderful actor and so romantic. I have to gulp down a sob just writing this.

The story centers on the friendship between Orry Main (Swayze), a southern plantation owner from South Carolina, and George Hazard (played by John Read in a great performance), the wealthy owner of an iron foundry in Pennsylvania. They meet at West Point before the Mexican War and develop a bond closer than brothers, much like David and Jonathan in the Bible. At West Point, they cross paths with the evil Elkanah Bent (played by Philip Casnoff), a character one loves to hate. Casnoff’s southern accent is exaggerated at times, common for American actors with Yankee roots who think we southerners are full of twang, but it works. He brings a great deal of conflict and excitement to the story as his hatred for Orry and George fuels a vendetta that leads to heartache and tragedy.

As time passes and the abolitionist movement takes hold, Orry and George’s friendship suffers. George cannot condone the South’s use of slavery, and Orry will not tolerate a northerner criticizing his family’s way of life. George takes over his family’s business in Philadelphia and marries the lovely Constance, while Orry runs Mont Royal, his family’s plantation in South Carolina, and pines over the beautiful Madeline Fabray (Leslie Anne-Down). I have to say that I haven’t seen a prettier face on the television screen in a long time—Down is a stunningly gorgeous woman with the looks of Elizabeth Taylor and a young Vivian Leigh.

Sadly, Madeline and Orry are ill-fated lovers who cannot be together because of her father’s evil schemes. Thinking Orry is dead somewhere in Mexico, Madeline marries an evil, abusive man from a nearby plantation (David Carradine), only to discover on her wedding day that Orry is very much alive. Orry pledges to never love another woman, and he holds true to his word, despite the circumstances. Isn’t that romantic? Yes, there may be a bit of adultery, but this is Hollywood and it is John Jakes.

 As for pretty actresses, there certainly is no shortage of old television and soap stars from the 80s in this series. For those of you with a fondness for Genie Francis, who played Laura from General Hospital, you’ll be pleased to know you can see her in a hundred different hoop skirts and bonnets, playing the lovely and sweet Brett Main, Orry’s sister. Think Melanie Wilkes from Gone With the Wind with a bit more spine. You’ll also see Linda Evans, Morgan Fairchild, more of the cast from Dallas, Lee Horsley, and even old Hollywood actors like Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and Lloyd Bridges. Even Wayne Newton shows up as a really nasty Confederate prison warden. But my two favorite are Kristie Alley, who plays George’s sister, Virgilia, a stanch abolitionist who marries a black slave, and Terri Garber, who plays Orry’s sister, Ashton.  Ashton is a souped-up Scarlett O’Hara-type with a sadistic streak a mile wide. While she borders on comical at times with her over-the-top antics, she does add quite a bit of spice to the story. Some of it is racy for television, especially from thirty years ago, so be prepared.

By now you may be thinking I am absolutely desperate for entertainment, but be assured that this is a wonderful miniseries that still holds up almost three decades later. The acting is great, the story moving, the romance is strong and believable, and according to my history buff husband, the authenticity of Civil War events is accurate. Just the romance between Orry and Madeline is enough to satisfy, but the other characters (like Charles Main, Orry’s cousin) and their trials during a very tumultuous time in our nation’s history will stay with you for days afterwards.

I love the feeling of going back in time and experiencing the lives of an entire generation of people who suffered greatly but overcame hardship, holding firmly to their faith. If that’s what over a thousand minutes of a TV miniseries will do to a person, then it was time well spent! I look forward to sharing North and South with my children over the holidays.  I have no doubt it will become a family favorite.

Man of Steel

I’ve always known Superman was an allegorical story of Jesus but never expected Hollywood to emphasize the Christ-like components of plot and theme in such a clear and distinct way as portrayed in Zack Snyder’s version, Man of Steel. What an exciting surprise for a Christian movie-goer in this day and age! My husband and I looked at each other in astonishment when Clark Kent (played by Henry Cavill) wrestles over his calling and the timing in which to reveal himself to the world, ultimately prophesizing his rejection as savior of mankind. And then when he is revealed as this amazing “super man,” he announces that he has been on earth for 33 years. 

There are many other such Jesus analogies, but the most obvious is a scene in a church where Clark professes his doubts to his pastor while a stained glass image of Jesus kneeling before the Father is prominently displayed in the background – a Garden of Gethsemane moment! The pastor tells him that sometimes one must have faith before there is trust. Amazing to see this Gospel message in a major Hollywood tent pole film—and written by a Jewish man, David S. Goyer. Just these few scenes and lines of dialogue make this movie a rarity in today’s box office.

Even though the plot meanders a bit and is somewhat confusing, I highly recommend this movie. I loved how the story is flipped on its head, starting with Lois Lane (played by Amy Adams) finding Superman’s wintery lair where the hologram/soul of his dead father, Jor-el (played by my favorite, Russell Crowe), instructs him on the ways of Krypton. There, Clark saves her life from a lethal injury, thus revealing his true identity to her at the beginning of the film, which makes much more sense to the viewer. This Lois is less quirky than the other Lois Lanes we have seen, and smarter as well, playing an important hand in the salvation of Earth. The ending of the film is where most Superman stories start—with Clark donning a pair of hipster black frames and working for The Daily Planet alongside Lois. A nice variation in story structure.

For those who are fans of Christopher Nolan’s Batman flicks, you will find the same dark tone and Gotham-type atmosphere in this film. Nolan shares credit as scriptwriter and his influence is certainly felt. I wasn’t sure if I would like the darkness in this version, but it worked. Some of the campy elements from the older movies (like the prominent S on the front of the suit) are explained as a natural part of the plot instead of being contrived—although there is still no explanation for the blue suit and red cape. In addition, there is quite a bit of backstory to the demise of Krypton which allows for greater development of the motivation behind the antagonist, General Zod (a scary-looking Michael Shannon), and his evil cohorts. I won’t bother going into the plot detail in this review, because it is somewhat complex, but fortunately the labyrinth of twists and turns does not detract from being entertained.

At every turn, there are Christ references, such as the taking on of sins, dying for mankind, going down into the pit of Hell to vanquish the enemy, all of which are played out very nicely. I think a second viewing would reveal even more Jesus references which could make for a nice Bible discussion. There are at least two encounters between Clark (suited up as Superman) and Lois where he rescues her as she is hurtling to earth, sweeping her up into his arms before she crashes to her death. She clings to him and then he gently and lovingly sets her on safe ground. Isn’t that a beautiful picture of Jesus? And then the look of affection in his expression as she gazes at him with gratitude brought tears to my eyes, and my husband’s. The world needs to see the loving, caring Jesus and not the harsh, mean and judgmental savior that religion portrays. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 2:4, it is the goodness of God that brings man to repentance.

I also liked the relationship Clark has with his earthly parents in Smallville, Kansas, played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. Costner espouses great wisdom when needed, coaching Clark to delay revealing himself to the world until the right time. Lane is sweet and loving as the mother who knows her son doesn’t really belong to her and, therefore, harbors fear that one day the world will take him away. It is a nice picture of Mary and Joseph caring for the Son of God who had a calling greater than anything they could explain or understand.

As I watched this movie in a very packed theater, I noticed that people seemed to be restless and uncomfortable during the spiritual scenes. My husband didn’t notice this, but I sensed the Holy Spirit stirring in the air, convicting some to take a deeper look at the parabolic truths being presented, even if in a Hollywood movie. Our Lord can use any thing and any person to send the message of salvation to His yet unborn children who are still trapped in the world, living out their days wondering why they walk around with a giant hole in their heart. It is because it is waiting to be filled by Him. I pray there were many in that theater who will seek out the Truth and find their Savior before the dooms-day scenarios portrayed in so many summer blockbusters become a reality. 

Movie Review - Great Expectations

This month, I dug into my Netflix account instead of opting to review the latest superhero or dooms-day flick. I’ve been a bit disappointed with this summer’s Hollywood fare, so I haven’t ventured to the theater as much as I normally do this time of year. But thankfully, the English and their BBC productions of classic stories are always there to entertain, never falling short of excellent. Superbly written, directed, and usually (but not always) devoid of gratuitous sexual content and foul language, they stand the test of time, appealing to all generations. Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations is one such story that has been dramatized in abundance, with the most recent being a 2012 theatrical release starring Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter (yet to screen in the US for some reason). The version I stumbled upon is a 2011 BBC mini-series which aired on Masterpiece Classic earlier this year. I was delighted to find that it gives a more complete rendition of the book than the other adaptations produced over the years.

            Starring Douglas Booth, Great Expectations chronicles the life of Pip, a poor orphaned boy whose life abruptly changes when unexpected fortune and opportunity come his way via an anonymous benefactor. Booth is great in the role and brings his smoldering good looks to the production, looking more like a Ralph Lauren model than a new, up-and-coming British actor. Set in nineteenth century England/London, the movie evokes a dark, Dickensian tone which includes a cast of unusual characters with even more unusual names such as Magwitch, Havisham, and Pumblechook. Great acting from Ray Winstone, Gillian Anderson, and Jack Roth (Tim Roth’s son) adds to the production, as does the humor from Claire Rushbrook who plays Mrs. Joe. I never realized how tragic and sad the story is until watching this version. I remember reading the book years ago, but I didn’t pick up on the insidious evil from Mrs. Havisham until Gillian Anderson put flesh on her bones. Havisham is probably one of the literary world’s most wicked antagonists, striking an appall to the heart with her moth-eaten wedding gown and rat-infested wedding cake. I shudder to imagine how Dickens came up with such a character.

            The themes of loyalty, love, revenge, and forgiveness touch on Christian truths that are parabolic of the Lord’s teachings. When we first meet Pip, he is a kind-hearted, abused little boy who extends grace to an escaped convict, Magwitch (played by Winstone). At first, Magwitch appears to be a vicious felon but later redeems himself as a man unfairly condemned. He disappears quickly from the story but reappears later when the loose ends are nicely tied up. As Pip later discovers, the mercy and graciousness he showed Magwitch is instrumental in setting his life on a brand new course.

            At the same time, Pip’s desire for love and a better life make him the perfect victim for Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham is a wealthy lady who lives in a dusty, cob-web infested mansion, living out her days in a bizarre, insane stupor. Jilted at the altar years ago, Miss Havisham is grief, anger, bitterness, and revenge personified. She walks around barefoot looking as pale as a ghost and speaking in breathy half sentences that are almost zombie-like. Her hair is stark white and hasn’t been brushed in years and she still wears her dirty wedding gown—can’t imagine the smell that would come from such an existence! And to make matters worse, the dining room is covered in dust and filth, anchored by a rotting three tiered wedding cake. I remember being terrified of this lady when I was a young girl.

            In her quest for revenge, Miss Havisham adopts the beautiful Estella (played by Vanessa Kirby) and raises her to be a lovely, genteel lady with a heart of stone. Havisham’s goal is to trick some well-meaning young man into falling in love with Estella, only to purposefully break his heart in the process. This is where Pip fits into her evil plan. She invites him to the house to spend time with Estella, nurturing a friendship between the two. But then, at the moment she sees that the affection has blossomed into something more, she sends Estella off to London to find a respectable gentleman as a husband. Initially, Pip believes Miss Havisham has his best interests at heart but soon learns he was mistaken.

            The Havisham character is a wonderful depiction of an individual who harbors bitterness and anger in their heart, unable to forgive. Unforgiveness is like a poison, rotting the soul until it corrodes the body, bringing with it age, disease, and ultimately death. Jesus taught on the dangers of unforgiveness and the power and freedom that forgiveness brings. But sadly, like Miss Havisham, many make a different choice, desiring to wallow in grief and pity until they are destroyed. Pip understands this and finally confronts Havisham when he comes of age. As he so aptly explains, if she had allowed Pip and Estella to love each other, she could have filled her grand home with laughter and love. This cold, hard truth is more than Havisham can bear and is the beginning of her eventual demise. As so many have come to learn, the schemes of an evil man can never suppress the power of true love.

            Contrary to Havisham, Magwitch chooses to forgive others for what was taken from him. Instead of using Pip to exact revenge, he repays Pip for his kindness and desires to enrich his life with finances and opportunity. Magwitch learns to love and accepts his fate with peace in his heart, so unlike Miss Havisham. Magwitch sacrifices his own interests for the greater good, whereas Havisham embraces her doom with open arms, not caring who she takes with her. It makes one sad to realize there are many figurative Miss Havishams in the world hurtling toward their destruction, not knowing that death will not provide relief—it will only be the beginning of a greater, eternal misery. If they could only know the love of the Savior and the forgiveness that is available, free of charge, they could be delivered like Magwitch, no longer held captive by sin. It is a truth Pip and Estella come to realize in it fullness, enabling them to embark on a new life of love and freedom.

            I’m sure there are many more spiritual truths a savvy moviegoer can glean from this classic tale, but this is a good start. Enjoy this powerful story and share it with someone you know who needs a healthy dose of the Gospel message of grace.