Fireproofing Your Marriage

The movie Fireproof is about saving a marriage which is at risk of burning to the ground. It's a modern tale with a Christian foundation, and we hosted a couple's night at our parish for its viewing. I liked the movie a lot -- especially its premise that no marriage is "fireproof." But that prayer, communication, and forgiveness go a long way toward protecting it. See a sample section of the Love Dare challenge, which is available in a book version and requires 40 days of commitment based upon the verses found in 1 Cor. 13. So Day 1 challenges you to relearn "Love is Patient," and Day 2 "Love is Kind," then "Love is Not Selfish," "Love is Not Easily Irritable," etc.  Further discussion topics for couples are found on study guides at the "Fireproof" website. I think this movie would be also be a good tool for teens to learn about the sacrament and success of marriage vows.  Made by the creators of "Facing the Giants" and rated PG.

The Sandy Bottom Orchestra

I'm always searching for music-related movies, and here is a sweet one that your whole family can enjoy.  There seems to be only a few movies like this that get made for television, so we were thrilled when we discovered it through NetFlix (because we don't have TV at home).  Based on the book by Garrison Keillor and his musician wife, Jenny Lind Nilsson, the storyline features a Midwest family who is trying to fit their classical-music personalities into a rural and not-so-cultural community.  If you live in a small town, you will easily relate to the issues. Set amongst a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, there is honesty about neighbors, marriage, and teenage peer pressure.  Not a love story (as the cover might suggest).  The mother hopes to use her piano degree and the daughter is a talented violinist, but both are wondering about their friends and their sanity.  Sound familiar?  In the end, the movie has a clear but not patronizing message about staying with your principles and offering understanding and forgiveness to others. Inspiring enough for me to take it to Youth Group in the near future.  And the music played (see list here) is quite good!

Movie Review "Come What May"

My teen daughter and I finally watched "Come What May" and heartily recommend it! Focused on the college debate team at Patrick Henry College, one boy must decide whether he'll argue for or against Roe v. Wade. All the while, his mother is facing the same situation in a real courtroom. Compelling messages about pro-life science, courtship, and fidelity in marriage. Plus it was written by the same man who gave us "The Rookie" and "Miracle," two sports movies that my family loves!

You know they are a brainiac family when they argue by writing Latin phrases on the chalkboard! Note: We have Latin phrases on Meggar's chalkboard - but they are for encouragement, not argument!

I believe this is the first film from the Advent Film Group, which was formed by film professionals who wanted to create another Christian witness in the industry. It is a high-quality DVD and thought-provoking script. They received support and a staring role from Dr. Michael Ferris, founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association (1983) and Patrick Henry College (2000). I look for more good movies to come after this.

Nancy Drew-book turned film

My daughter loves the Nancy Drew Books, and because of that, I was rather hesitant to see the film from 2007. How could the charms of Nancy Drew remain intact when so many other classic books have been so distorted? Our library had a copy in, and we took the plunge.

Much to my surprise, I loved this movie. It was sweet, it was clever, and it was a bit hokey, but in a very charming way. Nancy is a fish out of water in California, who proudly proclaims "she likes old things", and she never sways from her ideals. She does not bow to the pressures around her, and is not ashamed to be different.

There is nothing really special about the plot, a simple mystery but told in a delightful way. Even the boys in our house enjoyed the film, it was exciting enough for them. Pre-teen girls and Young teens will enjoy Nancy Drew, and moms will enjoy watching it with them.

Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring

Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring (1986)

If you have never watched a French film... this would make a very nice introductory duo! (Picture shows a two film pack available at stores.)

The renowned Gerard Depardieu stars in this deeply moving study of human greed and the virtues of hope and generosity.

These two films will make a fine teen movie night!

Note: The second film, if I remember correctly, shows a brief scene with nudity. It is devoid of sexual innuendo: the main character bathes in the spring.

Essential Classic Movie Directors

GEORGE BAILEY
Originally uploaded by mueredecine

These are a few of our favorites (generally appropriate for teens and adults)...

Frank Capra

It Happened One Night
It's a Wonderful Life
Meet John Doe
Mr. Deeds Comes to Town
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
You Can't Take it With You

Michael Curtiz

Adventures of Robin Hood
Angels with Dirty Faces
Casablanca
Yankee Doodle Dandy

John Ford

How Green Was My Valley
The Quiet Man

Alfred Hitchcock

I Confess
North by Northwest
Rear Window
The Wrong Man
To Catch a Thief
Vertigo

George Stevens

Alice Adams
The Diary of Anne Frank
The Greatest Story Ever Told
I Remember Mama
The More the Merrier
Penny Serenade

William Wyler

Ben Hur
Mrs. Miniver
Roman Holiday
Wuthering Heights

There are some others by these directors I should go back and watch again since I don't remember them too well (this pretty much explains the lack of Westerns in the list).