Vincent Freeman (interesting last name) is a God Child conceived on the Riviera. The car, that is.

Gattaca is Science Fiction Drama at its finest; a little bit out there and a whole lot believable. Released in 1998, this film still seems fresh. Somehow, Sci-Fi isn’t supposed to seem believable after 14 years. Back to the Riviera.  Vincent’s (Ethan Hawke) parents created a God Child in a time when genetic engineering was “just what you did” if you could afford it. He had flaws compared to what he could have been. His brother born a little later got the advantage, a better genetic quotient.

Vincent spent his life comparing himself to his brother and striving against all odds for a different life. He dreamed of breaking free from society’s constraints and traveling into space. His vision was to be a Navigator for the Gattaca Corporation.

Problem One … Navigators had to be “Valids”. If you were one of the natural born minority, there was no future in space flight. Enters Tony Shalhoub, under the radar, DNA Broker and Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a “Valid” with a broken body.

I am so tempted to tell you how they did it, but I won’t. Vincent aka Jerome is accepted at Gattaca and begins to prepare for his space journey. Boy meets girl, Uma Thurman, who also works for Gattaca. His “Valid” brother also comes into the picture creating the tension a good movie needs. New Zealand screenwriter Andrew Niccol has his Directorial debut along with Alan Arkin who also acts in this film.

One of the things I thought kind of creepy was the automaton aspect of the employees of Gattaca. They dressed alike, talked alike and almost looked alike. As they entered the building they went through a type of turn-style that pricked their fingers for a blood sample to determine their validity. This is an environment that one eyelash could give away a ruse.

Gattaca is so morally complex; I’m not sure where to start. Can anyone spell HITLER? Have you read about the work of Planned Parenthood in the Appalachians? Eugenics is an evil thing. That is one woman’s perspective. Designer children are an abomination to God.  He doesn’t make junk and I think anyone who ever raised a handicapped child would agree. Vincent’s parents believed that a child of love would be happier so they put their faith in God’s hands. Then the specialists started talking to them about what could be done to improve their next child. The genetic engineering vs. education and experience is one topic still bandied about depending on what social circles you enjoy. I truly understand wanting what is best for your child. In some cities people are vying for a slot in a pre-school before their child is born. (So much for Big Bird!) We have a Creator who fashions perfect specimens every day, every minute.

I would ask a bigger question. What “validates” you? Do people validate you? Does your degree on the wall or money in the bank validate you? Hmmm. The movie starts with a quote on the screen, “Consider what God has done; who can straighten what He has made crooked?” This isn’t fatalism but a reminder of who God is. So, to quote Vincent at the beginning of this movie, “How perfect does your child have to be?”

I write, but it is perfectly okay to push back. Either way, watch the movie and tell me what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com.

You take one young orphan girl and one hunky king and you have the making of a luscious tale. This one is a true tale, chronicled by history. The life of Esther is one of the most inspiring Biblical accounts found in the Old Testament. Much beloved by Jews, Christians and Persians alike, Esther is the story of deliverance for the Jewish people.

One Night With The King has lavish costumes, giggling harems, a vast ancient city, huge armies, black riders, and blood feuds. Yet, it is truly the story of a young woman, a Jew, living in exile in Susa, Persia with her cousin in about 485 BC.

There is a back-story of a 400 year-old feud between the Jews and the Agagites that intertwines throughout the movie. This is a part of the story I had never heard and helped me have a better understanding of this period in history. This is an intricately woven story with intrigues, treachery and comeuppance a plenty, but you need to pay attention.

Esther, played by newcomer, Tiffany Dupont is fresh and beautiful and offsets King Xerxes (did I mention that he is hunky?) played by Luke Goss. There are stunning performances by screen legends, Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif and John Rhys-Davies that rounds out the cast nicely.

Based on the best-selling novel “Hadassah: One Night With The King,” by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen, this dramatic big-screen adaptation chronicles Esther’s (Hadassah) rise from peasant to queen, her courageous role in the redemption of her people from destruction and death, and her winning of the love of the most powerful man in the kingdom—by seeking his heart rather than the riches of his kingdom.

One Night With The King was shot entirely on location in Rajasthan — India’s very own land of the kings. Digital vistas were added to this Indian castle to recreate the ancient capital, Persepolis. One Night with the King exudes exotic splendor. I have yet to figure out what catches the attention of the “Academy” but in my humble opinion this movie should have at least been nominated for an Oscar for costume and set design. The costumes alone are worth your time and money to rent this movie. Hope you have a big screen, this movie is majestic! As always, I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com

I lived in the south in the mid 60’s for a short period of time and being a 20 year old native Californian, it was a whole new world. I was white and I was teased for my “weird” accent but that was the least of my education. I felt a little like Alice in Wonderland falling down a rabbit hole where everything seemed to be topsy-turvy. “Colored” public water fountains and rest rooms were the norm. I understand the history that created the situation but as a temporary resident, it totally baffled me.

The Help takes place in the 60’s in the south. The movie, based on Kathryn Stockett’s book of the same name, was written and directed by Tate Taylor. This movie is brimming with believable, likeable women characters.

As a privileged white woman, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan is all grown up and has just graduated from “Ole’ Miss.” She’s back home and like her friends, expected to get married and have a family. She is smart, ambitious and wants to be a writer. She gets a job with a newspaper writing, what else, the Household Hints column. Most of her friends didn’t go to college and have already begun the obligatory bridge parties and baby showers.

Tate Taylor has a story to tell and he doesn’t let us see much of the political activity but we feel its pressure in the anxiety of the black women and the tight lipped anger of the whites. These young women are idle, snobbish and have hardened to condescending racists.

Observing this after having been away, Skeeter decides to write a book about “The Help.” She has no idea how hard it is going to be to get any black maid to confide in her, much less enough of them to make a story, but she keeps trying and assuring them that it’s a story that needs to be told. One by one they start to come around, all for different reasons. The stories that come from the hearts of these women are heartrending, sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes joyful.

I won’t spoil the sub plots but I loved this movie. These ladies, with their secret writing project are breaking all the societal rules and putting everything at risk. Sometimes they’re scared, but mostly they are having a great time coming out of their generationally and geographically imposed shell. Skeeter is played by amazingly versatile, Emma Stone. Octavia L. Spencer is delightfully feisty as Minny Three. Emma’s friend, Hilly Holbrook, someone whose mother should have paddled her behind more often, is played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Last, but certainly not least, is the stoic Aibileen, masterfully played by Viola Davis. Sissy Spacek, Jessica Chastain and Allison Janneys round out this stellar cast. Together you get a morally serious and touching movie that manages to have a goosey, gossipy quality with a heavy dose of villainy.

One scene has the maid holding her young charge and softly saying to her, “You is smart, you is kind, you is important.” This is the same child who will grow up to follow her mother down the path of bigotry. Watch The Help, you’ll love it and as always, I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Courageous is about four men with one calling: to protect and to serve. As law enforcement officers Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick), Nathan Hayes (Ken Bevel), Shane Fuller (Kevin Downes) and David Thomson (Ben Davies) are confident and focused yet when they go home at the end of their shifts they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle – fatherhood.

Life keeps happening, day after day until one day … tragedy happens. Veteran police officer, Adam Mitchell’s family begins to unravel and he understands he has to do something. He goes to his source of strength, God and begins the journey. He puts his plan into action. His police force brothers gather around him and together they take up the challenge of being the best they can be in a totally different arena.

The latest installment of life according to Sherwood Baptist church in Albany, Georgia, shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. The picture-making church keeps stepping up to the plate and hitting it out of the park. I have to admit that I’ve seen all four films. They went from a sweet little film called Flywheel to their next film, Facing the Giants. Then with the help of Kirk Cameron, the only actor with any name recognition to be in any of their films, they made Fireproof. They had finally pulled out of the totally low-budget movie ranks and made a film of substance. With Courageous, Sherwood has once again stepped up their game.

As their fourth film, this action packed police drama will make you laugh, cry and cheer as you are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kind of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Hokey? Probably, but none the less, I loved it. I loved that there are still real men in this world that put their families first;  men who are passionate, yes, passionate about being good old-fashioned family men. Not the best CEO, not the best truck driver, not even the best doctor … the best dad. Men who take pride in being the best they can be and understanding in the depths of their souls that HONOR BEGINS AT HOME.

I’m sure most would agree that Courageous doesn’t have the best acting, the best directing or the best anything when it comes to film making. This film will never win an Oscar, but somehow I don’t think that is what it was meant to do. I suspect it was meant to do just what it’s doing, making us think about how we live our lives on a day to day basis. Courageous does a wonderful job of making you listen a little more, throw the ball a little more and savor every moment.

So, if you’re interested in a life of significance the message of Courageous is Fathers, Man-Up. Once again, I’m open to your insight at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful Hollywood screenwriter engaged to Inez (Rachel McAdams) who loves him very much or at least what their life together would be. Rachel’s parents are going to Paris on a business trip and have asked Gil and Rachel to tag along. Gil thinks this is a perfect time to work on his novel, Rachel wants to shop and party.

Having lived in Paris for a short time in his 20’s, Gil had aspirations in his youth to be a serious writer. Opportunities came and he realized he was a good screenwriter. The literary dreams were postponed and he woke up ten years later, successful and unfulfilled and craving Paris.

But he’s back and decides to leave Inez and her mother to their shopping and wander the streets seeking inspiration. Inez’ shopping turns into dinner parties with friends from America and his daytime meanderings become forays after dark. One night while sitting on some steps in a neighborhood, he’s not sure where, a group of partiers in a vintage automobile stop and entreat him in, in to a whole new world, a whole new era. This YouTube age writer finds himself meeting icons and idols of a bygone era.

His new found friends are F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway and all their friends. They meld him into their lives and their hearts. This is the life he was meant to live and all it took was a magical stroll through a magnificent city. Gil had found his groove amongst a lost generation.

I’ve never been much of a Woody Allen fan but he loves Paris and his love is epitomized in Midnight in Paris. The last time I was in Paris I spent most of the day riding the “spokes” of the city to the outskirts of town and back. The scenery is real yet ethereal. The plot is fanciful. I never found F. Scott Fitzgerald that day but maybe I wasn’t looking for the magical.

The take-away from this movie though, is that we need to learn to enjoy the present for all it’s worth. It’s a little like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, in the end there’s no place like home.

This is a loving embrace of the city, art, and of life itself. Midnight in Paris is charming, clever and wickedly astute. Allen said that he got a great enjoyment out of presenting Paris to the cinematic audience the way he sees it. To me, the way he sees it is literate and beauty filled and yes, quirky. This film is predictably unpredictable! For an evening of pure fantasy (it’s a little like falling down a rabbit hole) it’s purely delightful.

As always, I invite your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Let’s start with some of the oldies but goodies. One of my favorites is White Christmas (1954) with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. If you haven’t sang along with your sister to “Sisters”, you haven’t had Christmas yet.  It makes you want to get up and dance, fake snow and all!  Your checklist should also include the regulars, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Holiday Inn (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), Babes in Toyland (1934) and of course, Miracle on 34^th Street. If you have children or grandchildren, be sure to watch some of these with them. It’s amazing how the young ones are enthralled with the simplicity of life in a kinder, gentler era.

Enter the next generation…A Christmas Story (1983) is still priceless. We also have The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992), Home Alone (1990),  Scrooged (1988) with the awesome Bill Murray and the still delightful National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) starring Chevy Chase. The Santa Clause (1994) with Tim Allen is also worth a trip down memory lane.

So, now we’ve worked our way into this century. Is your head spinning or your pen writing? We can start with How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).  im Carrey is scary and funny and eventually charming in this all-time favorite. Kids and adults alike love The Grinch. If you’re a Will Ferrell fan, you will want to see Elf (2003) again. In 2004 we were graced with the genius of Tom Hanks in Polar Express. I still can’t believe they don’t bring this one back to the 3D theaters every year. I’ve written letters but I guess no one is listening. Polar Express on the big screen is totally amazing.

The little ones will love Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) but please, do your self a favor and rent or buy the timeless, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). A little known but absolutely marvelous little movie my thirty something kids loved is Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. This is Jim Henson at his sweetest and most brilliant. Your young ones are sure to be mesmerized.

Now I’m going schmaltzy on you.  One of my favorite contemporary films is The Holiday (2006) with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black and Kate Winslet. What can I say; it’s a feel good movie. While I’m at it, if you like the Christmassy feel good stuff watch your TV listings for the plethora of Hallmark contributions. I record literally dozens of them every year to have something to watch on a rainy night with a big bowl of popcorn!

My last recommendation is the reason for the season! You’ll want to watch The Nativity (2006), a beautifully filmed story of Jesus’ birth.

Now you have your December cut out for you…20 of my favorite, all for different reasons. Pop the corn, cuddle up and enjoy. And, oh by the way, you can always email me with your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Award winning,Faith like Potatoes is a wonderful movie I found “On Demand”. I have to admit, I wasn’t really expecting a whole lot even though I had friends who had recommended it, but I ended up enjoying it immensely.

Angus Buchan was a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage. Life in Zambia was hard and when the political unrest became an untenable danger to the family, they decided to move to KWA-Zulu, South Africa for a better life. With their tractors loaded on a big old truck, kids hanging out windows, they slowly headed south.  Angus (Frank Rautenbach) and Jill (Jeanne Wilhelm) buy a small plot of land with a caravan, a tiny seen-better-days travel trailer and begin to rebuild their lives. Jill likens it to being gypsies in the Garden of Eden. It doesn’t take long for the curious Zulus to find them and the endearing Simeon Bhergu (Hamilton Diamini) decides to work for them. He doesn’t know how to farm but he just keeps coming back to learn and help.

In the face of ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. A friend invites them to church and his life begins to change.

Based on a true story, the auto-biography of Angus Buchan, Faith Like Potatoes was adapted for the big screen by Regardt van der Bergh. It weaves together the moving journey of a man, who like his potatoes, grows his faith unseen until the harvest.

Faith Like Potatoes  is set in the turbulent hills of the KZN Midlands. Angus’ manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people of all colors, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and tragic personal loss. The potatoes he grows is an amazing analogy for so many things in his life and ours; those things that grow within us, as individuals, as families or as a nation. We need to be careful of what we plant because it will…grow. Like I mentioned earlier, America, our incredible country was planted on the principles of freedom; freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But how are those freedoms planted, grown and protected? By our freedom of religion. Our founding fathers placed “In God We Trust” on our currency for a reason, a reminder!

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and just maybe your life will be changed a bit as you watch Faith Like Potatoes. You’ll experience the triumph of a farmer whose faith made him a phenomenon. As always, I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com

Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is a kind, loving father. He is also a poor disciplinarian and a generally shaky role model for his three children. Miranda (Sally Field), his wife had definitely had to take on the role of “bad cop” in the family. After quitting or losing yet another job, Daniel picks up his kids at school and throws together an impromptu birthday party for his son. Miranda is called home by a neighbor to find a huge petting zoo parked on her quiet San Francisco street with ducks and geese, little horses and rabbits inside and outside her lovely home. The police have just arrived and her husband and children are dancing on the fancy dining table. This is the final straw, there is no room left in her life for the eccentric, fun loving actor who specializes in dubbing cartoon voice-overs.

Miranda goes to divorce court and gets custody of the children. Daniel has ninety days to redeem himself. Now 90 days isn’t a lot of time when you unemployed and homeless, but Daniel finds a small apartment and get a boring job. It really gets interesting when he hears that she is going to hire a Nanny-Housekeeper for his children and Daniel applies for the job; basically in drag…enter Mrs. Doubtfire.

Mrs. Doubtfire is an elderly woman created by Daniels brother, Frank a special effects make-up artist and she gets the job. Frank does such an amazing job that no one seems to recognize Daniel. Life is beautiful. Miranda has an amazing Nanny. The kids have someone they adore and Daniel finally figures out how to be a parent.

Oh, yes, there is the resident hunk, Stuart (Pierce Brosnan). He’s an old friend, new client and wannabe new mate for Miranda which really steams Daniel. Back to Bridges. There is an incredibly funny scene at our local restaurant where Daniel is doing what Robin Williams does best, mastering chaos.

All in all, Mrs. Doubtfire is a poignant romantic comedy where Robin Williams will keep you in stitches with his improvisational antics. Sally Field will totally endear you and the children have some of the best lines. As always, tell me what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Jaws meets Jesus. That’s the way I see Soul Surfer. Even if you don’t enjoy faith based films, you will more than likely love this movie. The Hamilton family seems to be living the life that we’ve all dreamed of from time to time. Every time I vacation in Hawaii I have the passing thought…I could just not go back home. I wouldn’t need a fancy car (well, maybe a beach buggy). I wouldn’t even need fancy clothes; just live in my bathing suit. I could fish the surf for fresh fish to eat and send for the grandkids! Then reality sets in.

Soul Surfer is about a real family. The Hamilton’s live on the beach on Kauai. It’s not a beachfront mansion; it’s a bungalow where everyone parks by the front door. They are a surfing family. Thirteen year old, Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) has been surfing since she was a child.  Her two brothers surf, as do her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt). She surfs competitively and has dreams of turning professional. On Halloween Day, while out on the waves with her best friend, she is attacked by a 14 foot Tiger Shark which rips her arm off. Bethany is rushed to the hospital by Holt (Kevin Sorbo) her best friend’s father. Returning from the brink of death with the help of local surgeon Dr. Rovinsky (Craig T. Nelson), Bethany faces a challenging new life. She looks to her church youth pastor, Sarah (Carrie Underwood)for guidance.

Based on Hamilton’s book (co-written with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh), the film never strays far from the theme that God has a plan for your life. Prayer and trust in Him are constants. Bethany is never lacking for good role models in life or in the movie. She has loving parents, great friends and even her arch rival, eventually comes around. I think the important thing to “get” is that life throws us all curve balls; it’s what we do with them that makes us who we are.  The shark attack leaves this amazing 13 year old questioning her faith, her capacity for happiness, and her dream of going pro. Determined to return to the water, Bethany slowly begins to surf again, struggling to figure out a comfort zone for an athlete with one arm, challenging herself through competitions, struggling to stay ahead of her self-doubt.

The aquatic cinematography is dramatically and artfully handled by John R. Leonetti. As for the shark attack, it’s not a sensationalized moment cheapened by an extended effort of suspense. It’s the only reason for the PG rating but it is done by Director, Sean McNamara, quickly with as little gore as possible. I have to admit I was ready to look away but didn’t feel the need. McNamara hits the scene quickly, reinforcing the shock of the violence by blocking it quickly, making the horrific event bold and real, and underscoring the tragedy.

Soul Surfer, the story of a young girl’s courage should be on your list to view. (It is not appropriate for the very young.)  As always I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Secretariat is a movie about just such a magnificent creature. While the movie focuses primarily on the horse, as it should, the stories of the people are a huge part of the story.

Secretariat is a horse that dramatically affected the people around him. The story opens with the death of the Chenery family matriarch. Everyone comes home for the services and to figure out what to do next with the family’s horse farm which hasn’t turned a profit in a while. Penny Chenery Tweedy (Diane Lane) is married to a Denver attorney and is “Suzy Homemaker.” Her brother, the professor, wants nothing to do with the farm but Penny can’t quite pull the plug on their ailing father’s dream.

Penny decides to stay for a little while to figure out what to do. While she is still going back and forth from Virginia to Colorado she finds that she has a passion for the new foal born shortly after her mother’s death. Penny fires the trainer who has been scamming the family during her father’s illness and hires Lucien Lauren (John Malkovich). Lucien had retired but after some coaxing takes on the young horse. Penny sees in Lucien a man who is good but more importantly, desperately needs a “win” in his life. It’s amazing how someone who carries a pocketful of newspaper clippings of his failures reacts when given one more big chance!

Named Secretariat by the farm’s secretary, because a big race was coming up; he needed an official name and no one could decide what to name him. Everyone still called him Big Red, even his fans. There’s lots of speculation about him being a short distance runner only, but “Big Red” proved them all wrong. He went on to win the Triple Crown! The last of the three races, the Belmont Stakes was the longest and the hardest of the races, yet he won it by 31 lengths; a record that has not been matched in the 37 years since.

So, I wondered about Secretariat as I’ve wondered about a few others, like Lance Armstrong. Does God, once in a while create a Job or a Lance or a Big Red, or does it come from being placed in a situation where we are given the tools, the nurturing and the grit to excel?

Secretariat is a wonderful, well cast, family movie. After doing some research I learned that there was some literary license taken with the story but the result was the same—Big Red was gifted with guts, heart, determination and as we all eventually experienced, endurance.

As always feel free to give me your thoughts and opinions at chastings@rockcliff.com