Summary: 'The Way Home' is a movie based upon a true story of a young boy's disappearance and the affect upon his family.

Storyline: Being a true story, I found it interesting. It had a nice ending, and I would recommend it as a family movie. However, true story though it be, the ending was quite cheesy. It's nice that it actually happened, but as a story, it's not that great.

Elements and Effects: The way the movie was shot was ok, but it definitely could have been better. Some scenes were too long, and though the cover says the main couple's marriage is "strained", it sure didn't look like it. Maybe a couple moments in the beginning, but definitely not tense.
Viewers should clearly understand that this movie has a strong recurring Christian theme, present throughout the entire film. While some Christian films can pull this off quite well, some movies come off as preachy. This one tows the line, so just use your judgment.

Acting: The actors were all pretty good for their roles. Some viewers may recognize Enos Straight from 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. Emotions were genuine in most main characters, but again, they needed to rework that "strain" the couple had, because it just wasn't believable.
All in all, a good film, and I'm grading it according to the Christian film genre. It's quite safe for family time- no swearing, nudity, violence, etc. Definitely one for family night where everyone can watch.

Two negative reviews in a row is rather discouraging, and I apologize. Please understand that no matter how scathing this review, I am not attacking the author in any way. I'm not attacking anything, simply writing about my observations and opinions of this book. Opinions are just that, opinions. Check out this book for yourself if you want to form your own.

* Summary: 'The Skin Map' is the first fictional novel in the new 'Bright Empires' series. Kit Livingstone finds himself caught up in a life-threatening adventure involving his missing great-grandfather and a lost map of pathways to other times, and other worlds.

* Storyline and Characters: The story was a very imaginative idea. I like a bit of originality in a book, and that is hard to find nowadays. I must admit, most of the characters that mattered to the story, annoyed me. Kit, the main character, was quite the paper cut out, with about three different emotions: shock, worry, and virtually no emotion, as well as having three strains of thought: worry, complaining, and stupidity. As you can see, we did not get along. Cosimo was rather like an over-done steak, this case being, an over-done stuffy British man. His conversation consists of "Old boy", "Old chap", "Dear boy", "Young man", and the like. No other characters really stood out to me at all. In fact, I've forgotten most of them by now.

* Writing Style: This is truly where it all came down to it. I hate to say it, but the writing itself struck me as...immature. I'm sorry. I kept plowing through the book, telling myself it would get better, but it didn't. In regard to Cosimo's language, the rest of the novel was just as bad, or worse. Descriptions popped in at the worst possible times, with the most awful and ludicrous comparisons. Kit and Cosimo stop to admire the sky- in a life-threatening chase. Kit muses on an old poem while gazing at the beauty. A couple lines later, they are running again. What?! These recurring scenes are jarring and break up the story. Certain words and descriptions are used too often and far too close together, such as the depiction of Cosimo- 'the old man'. Perhaps the worst part of the book for writing quality is this example (you really do need to see for yourself,)

' "Stay right where you are!" shouted one of the men behind them.
"You know what we want," came the voice beyond the flashlight.
"Give it to us," added the voice at the end of the chained cat.
"You can walk free- you and your little friend there. No harm done." '
Now I'm not a great writer, but I know when something needs a re-write. This book does.

* All in all, this book was boring, and that was disappointing due to the fact that the idea was a good idea. It could have been better. The language made it difficult for me to complete, and I found myself putting it off and picking up something better. I've not read this author's numerous other works, but if they are anything like this one, I won't.

I did want to give this work a higher mark. I like John MacArthur, but I don't give someone a 5-star simply because I like them. If someone turns out a product they expect you to buy, be it a product of creativity or no, I expect the highest quality for my money.

Summary: 'The Jesus You Can't Ignore' by John MacArthur is intended to be a rebuttal and a stand against Ecumenical Evangelism, Evangelical Post-Modernism, and is a look at the confrontational side of Jesus that tends to be hidden, down-played, or completely denied in our modern churches today.

Theological and Topical Points: I was looking forward to this book, simply because I believe Jesus isn't portrayed as He fully was. Mr. MacArthur makes this point repeatedly, but his most powerful argument was in his introduction, instead of in the rest of the book. There are challenges, if you will, throughout the chapters, but these were far less than convicting, much less inspiring.
The gist of his argument against Ecumenical Evangelism is that Jesus was confrontational, even angry against hypocrisy, false teaching, etc. This needed to be said, and he makes some Biblical statements.

Writing Style and Product: Now we come to it. I do understand what Mr. MacArthur was trying to say, and what he was trying to accomplish with this published work. That said, I have to give this a 3 star, not because he was wrong, but to be utterly honest, because he was boring. It took me a while to finish this book and write this review simply because I was not interested in finishing it, even though I agreed with what he said. Much if the real "meaty" parts of the book were bogged down with complicated explanations, Biblical historical places, names, references, customs, and on the list goes. On, and on. Some of them had relevance, most didn't, and they sabotaged this work. Mr. MacArthur did the exact thing he was preaching against, polite reasoning. He was proving his points not Biblically, but with Biblical knowledge of Jewish customs and such. Many people I know would not read this book, simply because they are simple people and believe the Bible, well, simply. Another thing that bothered me was the fact that these "extras" drowned out everything else and took place of many powerful thoughts he could have communicated, as was clear in his introduction.

All in all, I wouldn't buy this book. It was helpful in certain areas, but I expected much of it to be more like his introduction: many more statements instead of a history lesson.

I listen to a variety of CCM, but the former Newsboys didn't hit it off for my tastes, so when my DH told me I had to hear their latest, I was skeptical. Very skeptical, even a little prejudiced.
I am now a loyal Newsboys fan. I think nabbing Michael Taite was the best and most brilliant move of their career, as he is the missing piece that completes this band.
This is probably one of my favorite CCM albums of all time, and that is saying a lot. I loved every single song on it, and as I'm quite picky with my CCM, that's a great statement for me.
Included on the album are a variety of genres, ranging from dance style, to ballad, to rock. All of them have their unique touch, and all are truly great songs to listen to.
'Born Again', the album title, deserves the name as it is one of those rare songs that actually earns it. Coming along side would have to be 'One Shot', 'Build Us Back', 'On Your Knees', 'When the Boys Light Up', and 'Miracles' to name a few. Instead of rehashing the old 'Go' style, this look is fresh, vibrant, and so much more alive.
The melodies themselves are catchy and blend together nicely, yet they all stand out. The lyrics are hard-core, inspiring, as well as convicting on many points. There are still touches of the old Newsboys style here and there, but added in is Michael Taite's powerful vocals, which is the making of this release. You can hear the passion in every song, a far cry from stale, standard CCM which is so rampant this year.
I believe this new album from the new Newsboys to be a milestone in their musical career, as well as a milestone in CCM itself. It is different, and it just may be the latest turn for the Christian genre of music. The old arguments in certain groups which condem Christian Contemporary Music will not stand against this group, as these songs are clearly Christian. Themes of salvation, redemption, grace, prayer, and the constant presence of Christ are relevant throughout.
This release should definitely sweep the Doves, it deserves it. This is the most amazing CCM album I have heard in a long time. Newsboys, thank you. Hats off.

Summary: 'Beyond Opinion' by Ravi Zacharias is a book intended to equip Christians to face the intellectual challenges of this age, both with their minds and their lives. It covers a wide scope of topics, ranging from Islam to Atheism.

Writing Style and Product: I thought the book itself was of fair quality. Though the cover may deceive some, the book isn't totally written by Ravi Zacharias himself (though he does contribute more than others,) but many chapters are written by members of his organization RZIM, each author specializing in said chapters. I thought I would not like reading so many different opinions at one time, but it flowed well, and the authors stood together as a unit. Each author was mature, professional, and skilled in talking about their subjects. Very well written.

Topics and Reactions: I would have to say that this book does not delve deeply into each belief system, but provides an overhead of the subjects today. It covers a variety of world views, and is not intended for the debate ring, but for the average christian who will face these general questions from an average non-christian.
This work did make me interested in many of the issues it addressed, such as Islam, Atheism, etc. and I will further my research to books specifying in these issues. It also peaked my interest in post-modernism, which I had not heard of up until this point.

Conclusion: Ravi Zacharias wrote about two christian points of view on apologetics: intellectual debate, and refusing to debate. He stressed that there needs to be a balance between these two extremes: living our faith so fully in Christ that others cannot deny it, and being ready to give an answer to those who ask. This is a message we all need to hear, myself included, as I was of the belief that "You may win the argument, but lose the soul". We do need a balance, and I would encourage any one to read this book to better understand apologetics, and to learn answers to those questions we avoid.

*NOTE*: This a radio drama album in the series 'Adventures in Odyssey', and this is how I choose to review it: as a continuation of a story.
After a long break, Adventures in Odyssey is back with a new album of episodes, starring new characters as well as old favorites. I was eagerly anticipating this release- mostly to hear "the new Whit".
I was disappointed.
*First of all, though Connie and Eugene are back to their old selves (thankfully), many characters are gone, without explanation or notice. The Washingtons do not appear, as well as the noted absence of Bernard Walton, and a passing glance at Wooton. These two characters happen to be some of my favorites, and are well-loved by many, so I saw no reason to replace them with the flat, lifeless Parkers.
*The new characters are quite stale. I wouldn't have minded them as much if some of the old cast of children had at least had their stories wrapped up or made appearances (Trent, Mandy, Liz, etc.) They were just...gone.
*The stories were all right, I did like them, but most of the time I was wondering when certain characters would show up, if the next story would explain their disappearance, or at least SOMETHING. Nothing.
*The style itself has somewhat gone back to the earlier releases of Adventures in Odyssey, and for that, I am grateful. That's the star in my review. It still needs work, but I'm hoping they continue in this direction.
*The theme music: are you kidding? I liked the old theme with Chris and her little intros. I know I'm starting to sound like a granny here, but seriously, there are reasons I liked, no wait- loved Adventures in Odyssey, and those reasons are fast disappearing. Some things were changed that did not need to be, the things that made Odyssey great. Much of it has been exchanged for watered-down psychology mumbo jumbo, not the heartfelt, old-timey ice cream shop with the lovable old guy who anyone could talk to, and who would always listen. That was the heart of Odyssey, and I did not feel that in this album. I'm sure Andre Stojka tries his best, and I'm not slamming him, but he's not Whit. He didn't sound like him, didn't feel like him...he wasn't him. I was worried when Paul Herlinger stepped into the role, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well he performed. He was great as Whit, so I was open to another change, but this really doesn't work. Old characters being exchanged for 2 dimensionals has greatly saddened me. Gone is Rodney Rathbone, Bernard Walton, and yes, Whit. It's too much all at once, going through an 'Odyssey spring cleaning' that just did not have to happen. For me, Odyssey has come to an end. I won't be buying anymore albums again, unless there is a drastic change. I do however own every single other album and will listen to them. I'm sure for new listeners and even some old ones this was a great album, and nice, clean radio drama in an unsafe world of media. Sure, it is wholesome, but for an old listener of Odyssey who grew up with the best stuff that came out, clean and wholesome just isn't good enough. So long Odyssey, and thank you for many years of laughter, learning, and enjoyment.

Wow. That's what I said once I finished 'The Return of the King Extended Edition'. After it's astounding prequels, this final touch to The Lord of the Rings is truly an amazing piece in itself. Not only is there nearly and hour of new and extended scenes, but there are two extra discs with documentaries, stills, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage of about just everything you could think of. I loved watching 'Cameras in Middle earth', and I actually cried when it was over for the fellowship of the actors. There was a mirror experience with them and the story; just as we are saddened when Gandalf, the elves, Frodo, and Bilbo leave Middle earth, we are also saddened by the eventual breakup of the actors and crew who have become such close friends over the years. It was a wonderfully personal look into the making of a movie that we don't rarely see. I felt as though I knew the people after watching. There is also a lengthy tribute to J.R.R Tolkien with much information on his work and life, discussed by people who've studied his writings for years. I'm glad Peter Jackson put this in- Tolkien deserved recognition for creating such a beautiful world as Middle earth.

As for the movie itself, I loved it. Many of the extended or new scenes that were put in I felt belonged there. Some of them should have stayed in the original movie, especially the scene where Frodo and Sam see a crown of flowers on the fallen king.
However, a few scenes were a little bizarre, and I'm glad they were cut. The avalanche of skulls in the paths of the dead, for example. It wasn't in the book, and not only that, it just really didn't go. At all. I thought it was weird and I'm glad it wasn't in the real movie.
Above all, the worst possible scene was the mouth of Sauron. It was disgusting and not how I pictured him at all. Actually, he made me laugh. He wasn't frightening, or mysterious, and dark, like he was written in the story. The costume and special affects were silly and gross. That's all. Extremely glad it didn't make it into the movie, and I wish it hadn't made it into the extended edition as well, but hey, I guess some people liked it.
The rest of the added footage however was very special. I loved all of it, especially the extra scenes between Lord Denethor and Faramir. As in The Two Towers EE, it added deep insight into that family relationship, and again, should have been kept in.
All in all, this set is a real treat, and will not disappoint.

Ok, this is to let you all know that I am reviewing this as a biography in itself, NOT an article saying I'm supporting or criticizing Billy Graham's beliefs, teachings, and etc. You can get that everywhere else. This is a book review, ok people?

Summary: 'Billy Graham: His Life and Influence' is intended to be a full biography of world-known evangelist Billy Graham, up to the current date of 2010.

Writing Style and Product: The writing style of the author was quite enjoyable. I'm not a biography fan, but Mr. Aikam is definitely not boring, and I was kept interested throughout the book. He covers Billy Graham's life from birth till the present; going over major changes, controversies, influences, and etc. You name it, it's here. It was quite thorough, yet not bogged down with useless details. I've always wanted to know more about Mr. Graham, and this was the perfect book to read. The product itself (softcover) is nicely made, fair quality.

Reading Experience: As I said, I did enjoy reading this book. However, the reason I could not give it 5 stars was because though he may not have meant to, the author did come off as slightly biased. I say slightly, for I could tell he was trying not to, and in most of this work, he wasn't. Be that as it may, there were a few parts I read where I felt him biased in favor of Mr. Graham in spite of controversial situations; such as the Billy Graham/Bob Jones issue, and his relationships with certain past presidents of the United States.

All in all, this biography is quite good, and I would recommend it to others who want to learn more about Bill Graham, or want some clarity on the controversy surrounding him.

After a three year break, MercyMe is back, with both guns loaded. If this is what they give after a rest, they should take them more often. 'The Generous Mr. Lovewell' was not what I expected.
MercyMe's latest breaks out with 'This Life'; a loud, catchy song that will get you moving before you know it. Move over David Crowder, MercyMe outdid you on this one with new sounds. You'll be singing 'Oh oh oh!' on every chorus. The definite stars of the album would have to be 'Move', 'All of Creation', and 'The Generous Mr. Lovewell', but the others are just as good and memorable. Many have accused MercyMe of getting stagnant, but those accusations should definitely be silenced with this release. The band comes back to show that they aren't all through just yet, with many songs you'll love just because of the creative originality, especially the title track 'The Generous Mr. Lovewell'.
MercyMe still has their special touch, but they've defintely broken out of their groove with a new sound mixed with their old. Highly recommended.

* Summary: 'I Am Hutterite' is intended to be the story of a woman's past growing up in a Hutterite colony, as well as dealing with the tragic loss of leaving it and adjusting to the outside world.

* Writing Style and Reading Experience: Mary Ann Kirkby is an excellent wielder of pen. I thoroughly enjoyed her story, and could hear her voice between the lines.
The story itself is one worth sharing; I was completely captivated by the events and the life represented. Mrs. Kirkby is a wonderful author- her words made me laugh, and even cry. I felt I was truly by her side while her childhood unfolded.
* Insights and Facts: This book is written from the perspective of growing up in a Hutterite colony, a religious sect very much like the Amish in that it's way of life is very closed off from the outside world. This work offers us a magical, rare peep inside the Hutterite lifestyle, and I loved it. Much of the way of living is revealed here that you would not learn anywhere else. It was so fascinating, that I will definitely pass this book on to family and friends, knowing they'll enjoy it.

* Point Of View: Religious sects such as the Hutterites, Amish, etc. are very often criticized and called out as cults. While this may or may not be true, Mrs. Kirkby gives her point of view, and it is one of bitter-sweet memories. The politics in the group, bias, and tragedy are also enveloped in the close ties of family, friendship, and love.

Ultimately, Mary Ann comes out with her freedom, but with a cherished past that she embraces. It is an amazing journey, and I highly recommend you come along.