***For Show Times Near You & Tickets——Click on Fandango———–>

( ***Click @Family Guide To TV Programing)

***My Reviews Are Below—-An Index on the Right Column Below———–>

Malatya: A True Story of Modern Day Martyrs

Review by Dana Chaffin:

October 20, 2009 is the second DVD release date for the stunning documentary Malatya.  The film, which had an early release through Voice of the Martyrs on April 18th, 2009 in honor of the martyrs, is now releasing in its final form. 

This is a true story of persecution and perseverance.  Three Christian men were brutally tortured and murdered, in Malatya Turkey, for their faith in Jesus Christ.  It may be difficult for people to understand that Christians even today are beaten, raped, and killed for proclaiming Jesus. Many may read stories about martyrs, but to actually see that these men were real nowadays martyrs is dramatic. 

Like in America, Christians are not beaten for saying the name – Jesus. Their homes are not burned because they own a Bible.  Americans are free to attend public church services and they do not have to hide in the woods after dark for a Bible study, like in some countries.  However; if Christians everywhere do not stand up against this type of persecution, all countries may be affected.  The story of these men’s lives and how their families and fellow Christians are persevering is inspiring.  Also keep reading to find out how you can help persecuted Christians.

The Story

On April 18, 2007 three men were murdered in Turkey for no other reason than they were Christians.  The men murdered were Necati Aydin, 36, Ugur Yuksel, 32, and Tilmann Geske, 45.  Necati and Ugur were Turkish converts and Tilmann a German citizen.  The murderers were five young men 19 & 20 years old.  These young men had attended the Easter service with the men they would days later murder. 

The day of the murder, the murderers came to the office inquiring about Christ. Necati and Ugur talked with the boys for awhile and then they were attacked and bound. Each of the murderers carried a note saying “We did this for our country.  They were attacking our religion.”  What is so disturbing is that Turkey is less than 1% Christian and 99% Muslim.  In Turkey the meaning of being a Turk is to be a Muslim.  These men had their hands and feet bound, their heads slammed against a wall, and tortured with knives.  When the police arrived outside the office door, their throats were cut.  These men paid the ultimate price for serving God. 

Their families and fellow Christians have also suffered due to the loss of these wonderful men.  The strength and faith they show is inspirational.  They continue to have church services and welcome newcomers even though they are at risk.  The story of one of their children wanting to tell the murderers about Christ is touching.  The families understand that their loss is not in vain.  These great men are like seeds for the Turkish church.

What can you do?

Get Involved!  Be aware and inform others that this kind of slaughter happens and we must get involved to help our fellow Christians.  Most of all PRAY for those persecuted and their families. 

Learn to pray for the Turkish Christians by viewing the special features on the DVD, there is a visual/audio prayer guide.  At the website www.malatyafilm.com you can download a 30 day prayer guide.

The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit organization that helps persecuted Christians around the world.  They offer many programs and ways that you can help those that are being persecuted and their families.  Check out their website www.persecution.com to find out about their various programs.

The Malatya movie will highlight the truth on October 20, 2009 that murders happen just because one is a Christian.  The world will see the courageous story of these men who gave their lives for Christ. Be encouraged by how the families are continuing and not giving up after their loss.  Sadly these men are not the first or last to die for their belief in Christ.  You can purchase the documentary online at www.malatyafilm.com, www.familychristianmovies.com or www.vombooks.com.

The movie presents a time in the near future when nearly all American are living their lives out through substitute robots who carry on their everyday activities for them while each person stays safely at home in their bedroom connected to the robot in a virtual world. What the robot feels, sees, tastes, and does is sent on and experienced by the operator. If the ‘surrogate’ suffers some kind of injury however, the real person is not affected—well that is the way it was supposed to be.

Bruce Willis plays detective John Greer who is investigating several murders by surrogate. The robot was injured and the damage was somehow passed on to the real operator who was killed back at home. The detective discovers that the inventor of the surrogate program is somehow involved in the production of this fatal computer virus that effects both surrogate and operator.

It is an action film that demonstrates the superman qualities of having a police force that are essentially robots. However, the movie also reveals the disconnect with reality that people begin to suffer from when they live their lives in a virtual world where only robot surrogates talk, touch, and make love while their operators are essentially disengaged from real relationships.

Detective Greer doesn’t like what it has done to the relationship between him and his wife Maggie and would like to get together with her for real once more. A solution is presented and Greer has an opportunity to reverse the whole thing.

The movie does raise deep questions about how life in the future will cope with technology getting in the way of real relationship as increasingly more and more of our lives are carried on in an antiseptic virtual world.

DVD Release: Oct.1, 2009 by HeuMoore Productions; David Heustis and John Moore; Runtime: 101 min.

Review by Dana Chaffin

        On October 1, 2009 The Widow’s Might will be released on DVD.  It has something for the whole family – comedy, adventure, drama, action, western, and musical all in one film.  It has very strong Christian values. This movie is awarded the Dove “Family- Approved” Seal for all ages.   The story of the movie is heartwarming and the story of the filmmakers is surprising.

The Story

The Widow’s Might is about many exciting events, but the main story is families coming together to help a widow.  She is in danger of losing her home because of property taxes.  Her property has become more valuable because of a new highway built near by; however she is not interested in leaving her home.  Two young neighbors that are hopeful future filmmakers try to find a way they can help the widow.  They try several ways to help tell her story, like passing out flyers and talking to the mayor, but made no progress.  So they decide to make a film, based on a western musical, to expose the widow’s trouble.  They plan on introducing the western at a film festival competition.  Although they face many down falls and mishaps they venture on till the end.  The movie shows just what we can do if we come together and stand up for what is right.  The music in this film is outstanding and the entire cast is very talented.  The DVD is packed with hours of special features.  It has commentary of the entire movie by the producers and another by the cast.  There is also lots of information about the history of HeuMoore Productions.  The behind the scenes footage with the cast and crew is very enjoyable.  The scenes of the actual San Antonio Christian Film Festival award ceremony are interesting. 

The Filmmakers

    The Widow’s Might was produced by HeuMoore Productions.  HeuMoore is the combination of two young boys, David Heustis (20) and John Moore (19).  These young men started working together in 2003 by making short films to be used on the internet.  They found that John Moore was talented at writing and telling stories and David Heustis was skilled at the technical aspects of making movies.  This is their fourth film, but their first feature film.  The Widow’s Might at the San Antonio Christian Film Festival won ‘Best of Festival’ and the ‘Audience Choice’ Award against tough competition like Fireproof and Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.  They may be young, but they are very talented and have a bright future in making more award winning films. 

      The Widow’s Might is an inspiring and uplifting film about showing others compassion.  This is a high quality production with a talented cast.  On October 1, 2009 buy the DVD wherever Christian films are sold.  Gather the family for a wonderful movie night. You can find out more about the movie at the website www.widowsmightmovie.com. On the movie’s website they announce that HeuMoore is dedicated to creating films that glorify Christ and spread a message of truth.  The Widow’s Might is just that – entertaining with an important message.

(Roman Polanski via last.fm)

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein said the following in an interview when it was pointed out that there was a wide gap between how ‘Hollywood’ folks felt about the Roman Polanski affair and how the rest of America viewed it:

"Hollywood has the best moral compass, because it has compassion. We were the people who did the fundraising telethon for the victims of 9/11. We were there for the victims of Katrina and any world catastrophe."

<<Read the rest on the Main page>>

‘Capitalism Did Nothing For Me’

In the interview it was pointed out that he had amassed an estimated $ 50 Million fortune through the Western capitalist economic system yet that was his response.

<<Read my response on the main page>>

Set Apart brings ministries to the movies!

Review by Dana Chaffin:

     In this action-packed movie, ministries are the backdrop to an encouraging story.  This Christian film highlights actual ministries that were created by brothers Randy and John Gunn together with their wives.  The plot of the movie and the ministries featured make it entertaining and purposeful.  It gets the attention and hearts of both adults and teens and will make for an enjoyable movie night for the whole family.

About the movie

     The title of the movie Set Apart reminds us that as children of God we are set apart for a special purpose.  “Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself” Psalm 4:3a (NIV).  This film mixes comedy and Wild West action to get across a powerful message.  The story is about 4 teens from a tough city where drugs, prostitution, and violence are part of their normal life.  These kids are in a fight for their lives trying to make the right decisions, but the gangs are making that very hard.  A preacher, played by John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard), noticing that these kids are at high risk, asks his brother, Randy Gunn, to take them to his ranch, to see a different way of life.  While at the ranch these teens learn about hard work, responsibility, true friendship, and above all that God loves them.  Today teens are faced with tough choices all around them.  They are desperately looking for love and acceptance.  Who are we going to let influence our teens – God or gangs?

About the ministries

     Randy and Heidi Gunn are involved in GunnPoint Music & Ministries.  They perform and compete at Cowboy Mounted Shooting competitions. The Gunn’s are the official pastors of The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA).  At these events they conduct “Cowboy Church”.  These services include encouraging music and a positive message to the cowboys, cowgirls and their families.  The GunnPoint Band has touched the lives of numerous cowboys and their families.  They have performed in concert with some big names like Diamond Rio, Josh Turner, Natalie Grant and more.   
    Randy is known as “The Pistol Packin’ Preacher” and with National and World Cowboy Mounted Shooting titles, that fits. He shares the Gospel to cowboys in lingo they understand – horses. As a songwriter and recording artist He has produced several top 20 hits on the Contemporary Christian Music list.

    Heidi is known as “Straight Arrow” as she too competes in the Mounted Shooting competitions.  Heidi’s God-given gifts of singing, modeling, acting, writing, and more help her to share her love of God and people. 

     Another inspiring ministry, The Power Company Kids Club, is featured in the film.  Reverend John W. Gunn, brother to Randy Gunn, and his wife Michele founded the ministry in 1993.  This is a faith-based nonprofit ministry dedicated to bringing hope to inner city kids and their families.  The at-risk kids are transported to the center weekly for singing, games, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  John and Michele live in the community where they minister.  They visit the families in their homes, mentor the children, and lead street ministries.  Their main purpose is the emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being of the Power Company Kids.

Set Apart is a reality for a lot of teens in America – facing gangs, prostitution, and violence at every turn.   But Thank God we have ministries like GunnPoint and The Power Company Kids Club reaching out to them and their families.  On September 22, 2009, pick up the DVD anywhere Christian movies are sold.  Until then, you can visit www.setapartmovie.com to learn more about the movie and the ministries.  Again I ask who are we letting influence teens around us – God or gangs?  Get involved with teens in your area or help the ministries that are already reaching out.

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on faithwriters.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible.

This is definitely not a movie for children, the violence is far too graphic. The movie starts out like a TV documentary exploring a refugee village where nearly 2 million aliens live—aliens as in from another planet. Unlike other Sci Fi scenarios, these aliens seem to be leaderless and powerless to take care of themselves even though their technology had to be advanced in order to reach Earth, they are now herded together in horrible apartheid conditions in Johannesburg, South Africa and treated like animals instead of the intelligent beings that they obviously must be.

The commentator and main character starts out making fun of the aliens calling them ‘Prawns’ (they do sort of look like crustaceans with two legs) while he shows the audience the despicable living conditions they live in while callously informing them that they’re all going to be evicted from Johannesburg and moved to a new more rural location.

In the midst of the documentary, the commentator- Wikus Van De Merwe is sprayed by a black substance from an alien device and it triggers a metamorphosis. Soon Wikus is half human and half alien and becomes the first human who can actually use alien weapons and devices since all of the alien technology is bio based.

The story then turns into an action film as Wikus is on the run and being pursued by MNU forces of a multi-national conglomerate involved with trying to find ways to use alien weapons and technology.

Wikus links up with the alien leader who needs the black substance device back in order to power his space ship for a trip back to his home planet. He promises Wikus that he will reverse the metamorphosis and return him back into being fully human once more. Wikus ends up demonstrating alien weapons to his former friends as he holds off the entire MNU force while his alien friend make good on his escape from the ‘planet of the humans’.

I wish I could say that it was an enjoyable ride but it was thought provoking and definitely a different Sci Fi pic than your usual Star Wars or Trek film from the ‘future’ –this comes at you from the here and now and humanity is shown in the worst light possible until all the chips are down and played. Then one very unlikely human hero emerges and makes a difference.

A Traveler (Freidoune) is stranded in a remote Iranian village when his car brakes down. While he is waiting for the repairs to be completed, he is strangely approached by an older woman named Zahra, who tells him of the terrible events that happened in that very village just one day before.

She told the stranger about how her niece had been unfairly tried, convicted, and stoned. She also said that she wanted the story to get out and be exposed so that her niece’s children would eventually know the truth and hopefully so it wouldn’t happen to others. Freidoune did leave the village with the story and wrote a best selling book on the event which is the basis for this movie–a true story.

The story is incredibly powerful and horrible all at the same time. Soraya was falsely accused of adultery by her husband in order to get her out of the way and marry a wealthy younger woman. The Mullah, the Mayor, and the witness were all manipulated into supporting the accusation and execution. It isn’t till after the stoning that some begin to question their involvement in the process.

By the way, the portrayal of the stoning itself is far worse than I expected and definitely not appropriate for children of any age. To add to the horror, Soraya’s own father is chosen to cast the first stone, and worse yet her own children participate. To make it even more surreal and horrifying, some entertainers and clowns arrive in the village turn the stoning into a festive event.

This movie exposes the lack of rights that women are still living under in Muslim villages today in many parts of the Middle East. Unfortunately stoning is also still going on in far too many places in the Muslim world.

The second installment of ‘Transformers’ from my perspective wasn’t near as good as the first. ‘Revenge’ really had no story line except the bad ‘Decepticons’ come back with a vengeance and once again try to put down the good ‘transformers’ and destroy humanity in the process.

The first movie at least had a clever story line but this installment had  nothing to offer but action from start to finish. If you hadn’t seen the first one you would never know what was really going on– the second installment is so heavily dependent on the first.

One interesting sequence had Sam going off to college and somehow a very hot human looking ‘female’ Decepticon was constantly trying to seduce him. Wow, never did get how that was possible but at least it was the only thing that came close to a storyline in the whole movie—the rest was non-stop action from there.

I took my 11 year old grandson to see it and he loved it and so it seems did the rest of the kids his age in the theater. So the film will probably do well—the critics will pan it while the kids continue to file in and make it a ‘blockbuster’.

At one point with the action moving so fast that I couldn’t tell the good robots from the bad I asked my grandson who was who– He said: “Gee grandpa, don’t you even know –the Decepticons are the black colored ones?” So there you have it if you get confused like me in the midst of the battle scenes just remember that the bad guys wear black.