Reviews

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Labels: Amazon gift card, corporate incentive

Overview

Jesus Camp is a very interesting documentary that follows a couple children through their time at an Evangelical summer camp. The film is a fairly unbiased piece--some may not like the Air America clips, although it does provide a little more balance--that highlights the views of the camp director, the parents, and their children. Some parts are a little chilling in my opinion, and I couldn't help but to hope that there are real guidelines when it comes to home schooling.

The Good

• It was a good film on a pertinent topic given Evangelicalism's growth in the United States
• Very little opinion is inserted into the film by the directors--they let the content speak for itself

The Bad

• There isn't much to speak of. I know some Evangelicals weren't fans of it, but in reality, this was all documented--it is what it is.

Final Opinion

I recommend watching Jesus Camp. It's an in-depth look into this fast-growing type of religion and its impact on children. Kudos to the directors for putting this film together.

Labels: Becky Fischer, Heidi Ewing, Jesis Camp, Rachel Grady

Overview

Borat is a documentary where Sacha Baron Cohen pretends to be a Kazakhstani television reporter who has been sent to learn more about American culture so he can apply his positive learnings to Kazakhstan. Borat, however, becomes more interested in marrying Pamela Anderson than doing what he was sent to the United States to do.

The Good

• It's filled with outrageous acts that keeps you shocked as Cohen continually pushes the envelope
• During a time when the United States' international relations are questionable, some of the humor seems fitting

The Bad

• There are a few scenes that may have pushed the envelope a bit too far--let's just say this film isn't exactly politically correct

Final Opinion

Borat is an entertaining film. Some segments are better than others, but it's worth watching as long as you're not overly sensitive to some vulgar scenes.

Want to learn more? Visit Amazon.com to read more reviews or to purchase the DVD.

Labels: Borat, Kazakhstan, Sacha Baron Cohen

Overview

Little Miss Sunshine with Abigail Breslin and Greg Kinnear is the story of a family that takes their daughter cross-country in an effort to get her into the finals of a beauty pageant. The family seems to have plenty of issues on a daily basis--these problems really make the movie. So, in the end, it's an adventure about a dysfunctional family that tries to come together so the daughter can achieve pageant success. And, they actually come together so she can succeed.

The Good

• The laughs are non-stop thanks to problem after problem with the family
• Like many families, despite their issues, they came together when it counted

The Bad

• The film is a little slow at times

Final Opinion

Overall, Little Miss Sunshine is a brilliant film--there's a reason it received so much attention at the Oscars. It's not a completely original concept, but it's done very well. It's definitely worth watching.

Want to learn more? Visit Amazon.com to read more reviews or purchase the DVD.

Labels: Abigail Breslin, DVD, Greg Kinnear, Little Miss Sunshine

Overview

Babel, which stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, is about an American couple that is on vacation in Morocco when tragedy strikes and the wife is accidentally shot. That tragedy sets off a number of events that impacts four families in four different locations. The film examines the power of family, language barriers, and the ability of the media to profoundly impact the lives of those involved.

The Good

• It's a deep film that illustrates how people so far apart can so easily get linked together due to a series of misunderstandings
• It's a very strong performance by Brad Pitt

The Bad

• Not much to speak of, which explains the nominations Babel earned

Final Opinion

Babel is a strong film that's worth watching--particularly in this time where cultural divides seem to be impacting the world as much as ever. Kudos to Alejandro González Iñárritu for doing something that's original.

Interested in learning more? Visit Amazon.com for more reviews and current pricing information.

Labels: Babel, Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

Overview

The Panasonic 42-inch TH-42PX60U Television has a plasma screen and is HDTV compatible. This massive television has a sharp, vibrant picture and it even has a built-in SD slot so you can view images from your card on the big screen.

The Good

• Sharp picture with a massive screen of 42 inches, yet it's very thin
  
• The price has come down to the point that it's pretty reasonable and it's from a company with a strong reputation

The Bad

• It could be overkill for some people depending on their television utilization

Final Opinion

The Panasonic TH-42PX60U is a great choice if you're looking for a top-of-the-line plasma television. Consumer Reports has ranked this television quite well, and it's for good reason. If you're looking for a quality plasma at a reasonable price, take a look at this television.

Interested in learning more? Visit Amazon.com for more reviews and current pricing information.

Labels: HDTV, Panasonic, television, TH-42PX60U

Overview

The Departed with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon is a thriller that consists of two men who are working undercover for the Massachusetts State Police Department. The only problem is each individual is working for the opposite side. Consequently, each individual goes to great lengths to figure out who the other one is in an effort to find the infiltrator and prevail.

The Good

• The Departed really keeps you at the edge of your seat
• The movie isn't predictable
• DiCaprio, Damon, and Nicholson put forth great efforts in this movie

The Bad

• Not much, unless you dislike blood and violence

Final Opinion

The Departed is a noteworthy film. Martin Scorsese proves once again that he is the best at this type of film. It's actually a star-packed film that delivers--it seems like that can be a rarity at times.

Interested in learning more? Visit Amazon.com if you'd like to read more reviews or purchase the DVD.

Labels: Jack Nicholson, Leonardi DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Matt Damon, The Departed