Movie Rating: Not Rated

Clancy Movie Trailer

By Shay Vaughn in News | 1 Comment

Clancy Miller (Christina Dawn Fougnie, in her movie debut) is an abused 12 year-old with the faith of an angel who runs away to keep from getting taken away by social workers. Out on the streets, she meets up with Nick (Jefferson Moore, The Perfect Stranger), an ill-tempered, homeless veteran.

A corrupt mayor (J. Robert Bailey, Melrose Place), desperate for re-election, privately offers Nick a reward to keep the missing girl out of sight for a few days; the mayor’s secret plan – to ‘find her’ in grand fashion in an attempt to gain favor with the voters, who would view him as a hero.

A scuffle with a loan shark sends Nick and Clancy on the lam to the nearby countryside. There, an unlikely friendship blossoms, as the downtrodden man slowly begins to see the world through the angelic girl’s eyes. In the meantime, the mayor’s ambitions heighten with the prospect of a ‘manhunt across county lines’ and a military style ‘rescue mission’ that plays out as the TV news cameras roll.

 

Read SCH’s review of Clancy by Dale Ward

For more details about Clancy , check out Christian Film Database

 

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Clancy Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movies | 2 Comments
clancy11
Starring Genre:    Rated: ,
Christina Dawn Fougnie and Jefferson Moore
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Moderate (fighting, talk of drug use, abuse to children, young girl runs away, fire, shooting, gun pulled on a child)

Clancy is a surprising film. A first glance at the title and poster art, and one gets the idea that we will be sitting down to a fuzzy-wuzzy, feel-good, Disney-like, family fare, Hallmark kind-of-picture – which is not necessarily a bad thing (see review of War Horse) – but is just not a description of Clancy.

Christina Dawn Fougnie Courtesy of Kelly's Filmworks

This is a fairly gritty film about an 11-year-old (title character Clancy played winningly by newcomer Christina Dawn Fougnie), who runs away from home so her drug-addicted mother is busted and put into rehab to get healthy. Not the best means to an end, especially considering the types of people she will live with “on the street.” (In other words: kids – don’t try this at home.) Clancy meets up with a homeless war veteran (Nick Best – played by Jefferson Moore), who reluctantly takes her under his wing to look after while she struggles to survive.

Jefferson Moore Courtesy of Kelly's Filmworks

There are many plot twists within the film (another nice surprise), involving a corrupt Mayor, a good cop, a Police Chief somewhere in-between, and other bad guys and criminals. And these nice twists and turns make for a well-paced film that only slows down during several montage scenes. This two-hour film could easily have been cut down and tightened up by losing a montage scene or two; but otherwise, the film packs quite a bit of story into its 120 minutes.

Jefferson Moore and Tom Luce Courtesy of Kelly's Filmworks

The two leads do great jobs in their roles, and their chemistry really comes across. You can tell they really enjoyed working together, and it will be nice to see what the future holds for newcomer Fougnie. Mr. Moore also wrote and directed the film, and Clancy is a nice addition to his credits, which include 1 Message, The Perfect Gift (also with Christina Dawn Fougnie), The Perfect Stranger, and its sequel Another Perfect Stranger. The supporting cast is quite well, too, except for a miss-turn here and there in a couple of supporting roles that seem too shallow at times or too over-the-top at others – not consistent at all.

Keith McGill Courtesy of Kelly's Filmworks

The biggest question for Clancy is with its ending. No spoilers here, but the main protagonist is switched on us at the end, and leaves us with a not-so-satisfying (although realistic), and somewhat confusing, finish. I would like to have seen things wrapped up a little differently, but over all, this is a well-produced film, and well-worth the cost of your nickel to put into your collection. Clancy: a nice surprise of a film.

Jefferson Moore and Christina Dawn Fougnien Courtesy of Kelly's Filmworks

The Christian Worldview:

Clancy has a strong Christian, moral worldview. Nick is shown getting angry; he is involved in a fight; he has rather intense war remembrances; and memories of a past drinking problem. Clancy’s mother is an abuser and addict, and Clancy wears the scars of these transgressions. There is minor gunplay and shooting in the film, as well as a tragic fire. Clancy’s life mantra is “Bad things are always going to happen, but being miserable doesn’t have to,” and this is played out as a major theme in the film.

 

 

Learn more about the author Dale Ward

Watch the official trailer for Clancy

For more details about Clancy , check out Christian Film Database

 

Biblical Discussion

(edited from the ClancyMovie.com Study Guide): Clancy tells the story of faith in the midst of problems. Nick is trying so hard to figure it all out. We, like Nick, sometimes think that if we can just get this or that question answered, then we’ll really have it together. It’s as if we’re looking for a faith without unanswered questions. Is that even possible? We seek God for the answers we long for, and then when we don’t get the answers we want, we get disappointed or angry toward God. Faith is the fuel that keeps us going. And while the Bible says faith is a gift from God, it’s still easy to feel like there are days when you don’t have enough faith. Especially those days that are filled with all the hard questions—the ones that never seem to have any answers. God promises He’ll give us all we need for the circumstances we are in. As it is now, we have to rest knowing that our faith only has validity with unanswered questions. It helps to realize that our need to know only comes from a place of us wanting to feel like we have a bit of control over our lives and our circumstances. Faith says: God, YOU are in control. I will trust you, even when I don’t have the answers. What have been some times when your faith has been especially challenged? How can we develop or “get more” faith? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7

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Pray 3D: The Storm – Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movie Reviews, Movies | 1 Comment
pray3Dcover1
Starring Genre:    Rated:
Vinc Mills, Rusty Martin Jr., Eliana Esquivel, Madeline Ormand
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Medium
Graphic Language:  None
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  None

The idea of Christian horror films creates controversy, and with the recent release of Pray 3D, like Jason of Friday the 13th fame, the debate is likely to come back to life.

Pray 3D is the latest offering (directed by Matt Mitchell) from Cross Shadow Productions, and is available through www.gobmg.com/product/dvpr3d; www.ChristianCinema.com and others.

Photo Courtesy of Cross Shadow Productions

It is the third in a trilogy revolving around the character of bestselling author Laurie Curtis, whose family is repeatedly hunted by the masked creeper, who first haunted the screen in Pray and Pray 2. With a storm heading toward their sleepy town of Smithfield, Laurie and husband Michael attempt to enjoy a quiet dinner with friends. Laurie’s trepidation is kept somewhat at bay by her newly installed security cameras monitoring the house, the kids, and the babysitters, and allows her to keep tabs on all that is going on at the house while she is away through her cellphone. But the growing storm isn’t the only thing that threatens the safety of their home, and as Laurie looks on in horror, she realizes that she and her husband will not have enough time to rescue the children and their sitters.

Actresses Eliana Esquivel and Madeline Ormand

With plenty of handheld action and ambient audio, this film has a great low budget indie feel to it, and the babysitters’ cellphone cameras, as well as the monitoring security cameras, are put to great use as we travel the darkened halls of the Curtis home, with evil lurking around every corner. The scary music is just right, as is the nice montage music from indie band Dutton (www.duttonband.com). It should also be mentioned that the storm effects are quite effective and well done, and there is exceptional work with the sound effects.

Actor Rusty Martin, Jr.

The actors do a creditable job of their own in this film, and especially fun to watch is Vinc Mills as husband Michael Curtis, who brings a nice light-hearted touch to counter the tension of the rest of the film. Newcomer Elliana Esquivel does a great job as babysitter Sloane, bringing in elements of confidence, level-headedness and, of course, pure terror, as she resists the terror stalking her within the house.

Actresses Elliana Esquivel

With that said, this film puts an additional onus on itself by the fact the producers want to create a horror film for the entire family – at least aged 12 and up. Not an easy thing to do, especially with seasoned horror fans accustomed to plenty of blood, gore, and other R-rated elements to create the scares. But if you go into it with that in mind, I think the filmmakers do a reputable job of creating a scary film for junior youth groups to enjoy watching together (preferably during a storm with the lights turned down low; or better yet, when babysitting with their friends), and it comes with a Bible study that the group can work through together with their youth leaders.

Captain Jaques Gilbert, Division Commander Apex North Carolina

For more info, visit the website www.crossshadowproductions.com. Pray 3D: The Storm is in 3D, of course, and comes with 3D glasses (as well as a 2D version and a 3D TV option).

The Christian Worldview:

There is mild violence, and several scary moments, but this is not a typical horror/slasher movie. (A lady screams; a face in the window; a man lurks in the shadows; man grabs girl in a car and she hits him; man watches girl from shower.) Pray 3D is scripturally weaker than other Christian horror films, in that the power of good over evil is not explored too deeply, and other than the characters professing Christianity, Biblical principles are not developed. A better choice would be Cross Shadow Productions’ Paranormal, but this film is not recommended for the younger audiences and is more along the lines of PG-13.

 

Learn more about the author Dale Ward

Watch the official trailer for Pray 3D: The Storm

For more details about Pray 3D: The Storm , check out Christian Film Database

Biblical Discussion

Part of the problem with mainstream horror films is that evil sometimes conquers goodness. In Christian horror films, goodness travails. What does the Bible say about goodness conquering evil? Psalm 37:9-10 reads, "For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found."

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Rogue Saints Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movies | 1 Comment
RSFB
Starring Genre:    Rated:
John Wu, Jason Pead, Deanna Sarkar, Paul Eenhoorn
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  None
Graphic Language:  None
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  None

Rogue Saints is a high-class gem of a film. Like the diamond that the main characters seek to uncover, it is multi-cut, and from any angle, the film is equally impressive. I first saw Rogue Saints on the big screen at The Attic Film Fest, and I was looking forward to seeing it again – which says a lot about how I feel about the film. Does it hold up on the small screen? You bet it does.

Jason Pead and John Wu in Rogue Saints - Photo courtesy of Surround Media

Director Adam Lubanski does a stellar job in this film about Nick and Dylan, a couple of inept aspiring thieves, who spend their days and nights digging for a one-of-a-kind diamond buried under a church. All the while, church business continues as usual above them, completely unaware of the shaky foundation underneath. Like a classic Donald Westlake novel or a Cary Grant screwball comedy, this film is one part crime drama, one part romance, and totally hilarious, while using today’s latest technology to tell its multi-layered story. The visually impressive introduction of our dynamic duo, winningly played by John Wu (Nick) and Jason Pead (Dylan), is brilliant. Incorporating a montage of quick cuts, fun music, and visuals from facebook (I mean lotsafaces!), we really get a good idea about these guys after only 5 minutes into the film. With a resume that includes Interactive Graphics Designer on such hits as The Amazing Spiderman and Charlie’s Angels, Lubanski knows how to work the visuals. The animations and graphics are such a nice touch, and make for wonderfully tight pacing and fun transitions. You will be hard-pressed to find a better use of animations, graphics, and split screens. Even the labels on Mother Wright’s cans of peaches look enticing. (Oh, it’s her diamond – lost for 30 years after her death – which our heroes seek.)

Photo courtesy of Surround Media

Ah, our heroes Nick and Dylan. These are two guys you love to root for, and the chemistry between Wu and Pead, as well as love interest Deanna Sarkar, is top-notch. They all three perform as if they have been in many film projects, but this is simply not the case, which makes their performances even more amazing. Some of the credit is due writer David C. Brunk, who put together the clever storyline and crisp dialogue. The laughs are dealt out liberally, and the humor is not mean-spirited jabs at church and religion (like Blue Like Jazz and many secular films), but true-to-life funny. Who doesn’t know a guy like parking attendant Barney, and who doesn’t like to challenge his self-appointed authority? “Thumbs Up” to this great supporting character and portrayal by Alex Craig.

Photo courtesy of Surround Media

Throughout the film, the layers of thought and detail in each sequence are deep. Director Lubanski did not blow through this film in a hurry – there are minute treasures galore and are fun to discover. The sets are top-notch: especially impressive is the spider-webbed, pipe-filled underground set; but nothing was spared, evident by the shots at the airport, the beach, alleyways, ATM machine, nighttime driving, high-rise corporate office, the list goes on, with some sets only used for seconds. Also worth mentioning is the music. It too is top-notch and right on: just what is needed for each moment and emotion.

So it sounds like Rogue Saints is a filmmaker’s film, which it is, but it is one for the entire family. I’m picking up a copy this week to watch with my 9-year-old, my teenager, and my wife.  (Hmmm – it would make a great Christmas gift for my mother and my sisters, too.) And it would work great for a movie night at church or school – it even comes with not one, but two Discussion Guides – available for free at the Rogue Saints website.

Rogue Saints: very fulfilling and one of the best Christian films ever produced – a perfect movie for me: a crime caper/adventure/buddy film/romance/comedy: a real gem. Sit back and enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Surround Media

 

The Christian Worldview:

Rogue Saints has a strong Christian, moral worldview.  Much of it takes place at a church, and there are sequences of church worship, small group Bible study, and fellowship.  Younger viewers (under 6) may get lost in the intricacies of the plot, but will find much to enjoy including animation sequences, singing, and digging for buried treasure!

 

To learn more about the author of this review, visit Dale Ward

For more details about Rogue Saints, check out Christian Film Database

Watch the Rogue Saints official trailer

Biblical Discussion

Rogue Saints tells the story of two men, broke and with nowhere to turn, searching for treasure, thinking it will solve all their problems. Jesus talks about seeking and finding, and what should be sought and what should not. (Matthew 7: 6-8) 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” What treasure do you think is worth seeking? What treasure will we find if we seek and ask of Jesus? (Matthew 6: 32-34) 32 “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” In Rogue Saints, what treasures do Nick and Dylan ultimately find? What can we do today to find the treasures that God has for us? The ultimate treasure is the redemption for us through the blood of Christ on the cross. Help us, dear Lord, to share this treasure with those who do not know You.

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