DVD Reviews

Added October 1, 2008

The Wager

Director: Judson Pearce Morgan
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Christian/Drama
Format: DVD, also in print
Price: $19.95
UPC: 796019812375
Author Email/Website: www.billmyers.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 7 Gargoyles

As a compelling mixture of the biblical book of Job and the Sermon on the Mount, The Wager is a good story, with many surprising twists and relevant insights. The novel, written by Bill Myers, is a powerful tale of trials and triumphs. However, when the printed story moved to DVD, some of the intensity was lost in the media conversion. While still a riveting tale, it could have had more impact if the actors showed a greater emotional involvement in the volatile situations.

Michael Steel (Randy Travis) is about to make cinema history as the first Christian actor nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Yet, God has cast him in a different starring role. When Satan claims that no one can live the Sermon on the Mount in today's society, Michael gets the lead role in this supernatural drama. In the space of ten tension-filled days, his life gets bombarded from every possible angle. From his personal life to his marriage to his career, Michael has to hold on to his faith in the middle of a furious spiritual battle.

Fans of Randy Travis will enjoy seeing this singer in an acting role. Also of interest was the character, Cassandra, played by Candace Cameron Bure of "Full House" fame. Her role of seductress stayed within the boundaries of good taste and allowed viewers to understand the temptation without having it splashed across the screen. And that's where the movie shines. Tastefully produced and staying true to the theme of the novel, this film has the potential to present a life dedicated to the cause of the Christ regardless of the casualties the world may throw.

As a contemporary parable with a purpose, The Wager is a safe bet.

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Added August 21, 2008

Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight - It's About Getting Along

Hermie and Friends

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Available At: Christian Bookstores, online bookstores, any store selling DVDs
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Christian/Children
Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9781400311293
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

With its bubbly, fun characters (after all, what kid doesn't like bugs?), Hermie and Friends not only entertains but teaches your children a lesson about loving your neighbor.

In Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight, these two ladybug sisters are fighting over which is better: tomatoes or blueberries. Their argument is temporarily halted when a pair of starving ant children stumbles upon their picnic. The sisters realize the ants are starving and resolve to help them. They gather their bug friends to help pick food for them; however there's just one small problem…should they bring tomatoes or blueberries to the ants? The debate whether tomatoes or blueberries rages to the forefront with all the bugs taking sides and the starving ants forgotten.

Will the two sisters resolve to disagree and remember why they wanted to pick tomatoes and blueberries in the first place?

Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight was fun to watch, especially as my children were able to learn something from the ladybug sisters. However, after watching it the first time, they've not wanted to watch it again (they prefer veggies), unlike my niece and nephew who can't seem to watch it enough. Colorful, musical, entertaining and teaching Godly values, Hermie and Friends: Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight is a joy-filled video parents can let their kids watch over and over again without worry.

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