Alternatives to Little House on the Prarie.

Last October, I wrote a review to the popular 'Little House on the Prairie' series. [Yes, I still hold to my belief that those books are overrated.] Last May, I'd checked out two books. So if you're looking for alternative/similar books to LHOTP, this is a list for you.

The Jumping-Off Place by Marion Hurd McNeely
Newbery Honor 1930

Synopsis: Four orphaned children set off to fulfill their late uncle's dream of homesteading in the Dakotas. They had planned to have their uncle with them. However, an untimely stroke and his resulting death left them setting off on their own to "prove up" his claim. This story is about their determination to make it through 14 months despite hardships common to homesteading, unexpected trials such as a contest on their claim by neighbors intent on causing trouble, and the Dakota weather.(Source: Amazon.com)

Review: In my experiences, books released in the 20s often have the problem of the writing being outdated and difficult to read. But with The Jumping-Off Place, I was surprised by its writing style. For the most part, it's easy to read. And Unlike LHOTP, I enjoyed the main characters and wanted them to succeed. While the ending is predictable, it's still a good read for children ages 9 - 14.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Newbery Honor 2007

Synopsis: Alone in the world, sixteen-year-old Hattie courageously leaves Iowa to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim near Vida, Montana. With a stubborn stick-to-itiveness, Hattie faces frost, drought and blizzards. Despite many hardships, Hattie forges ahead, her backbreaking quest for a home is lightened by her neighbors, the Muellers. But she feels threatened by pressure to be a "Loyal" American, forbidding friendships with folks of German descent. Despite everything, Hattie's determined to stay until a tragedy causes her to discover the true meaning of home.(Source: Amazon.com)

Review: This story was based on the experiences of Mrs. Larson's great-grandmother. Even though many events of the story were created, there's still a sense of believability to Hattie life and struggles. Larson gives so much dignity and respect to Hattie that the reader grows to not only admire Hattie, but also the woman who inspired the story in the first place.While aspects of the story are cliched [i.e. one farm standing in the way of the greedy ranch owner], the story makes up for it by creating a likeable yet imperfect heroine, believable supporting characters and offering some unexpected twists. This book would be good for girls (and even boys who like historical fiction) ages 13 - 16
Rating: 4 out of 5

5 (Unjustly) Underrated Films

As I mentioned in my review of Freaks, I love watching underrated films. It feels like I'm giving recognition to someone's hard work that mainstream audiences have ignored or forgotten. It's also fun showing these films to friends and to see their reactions to these films.

So I've decided to write a list of films that I think are unjustly underrated. Since I'll want to write more in-depth articles about most of these films, these reviews will be brief. I'll also be uploading a Picasa file so that you can see the posters and stills from the films I mention.

With that said, let's get started:


1. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

It's a shame that this film is often overlooked because it was the critical and commercial success of this film that set the stage for the 'Disney Renaissance.' The Great Mouse Detective is essentially "Sherlock Holmes" with mice instead of humans. But what makes this film stand out are the hero and the villain. Both Basil and Ratigan are egocentric geniuses who are equally matched intellectually. Throughout the film, they have go back-and-forth in their battle to one-up each other, having the time of their lives. The animation and atmosphere are also good and while the story doesn't offer many surprises, it's still offers a great viewing experience.

2. Shadowlands (1993)

This film covers C.S. Lewis relationship with Joy Gresham, which goes from a platonic friendship to a strong feeling of love and devotion that faces Joy's terminal illness and death. What I love about this film is the relationship between Jack (Lewis' nickname) and Joy. This isn't a Hollywood 'Happily Ever After' romance. This is a bittersweet love that confronts questions like, "why love if losing hurts so much?" Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger give wonderful performances and the rest of the cast are great as well.  I'll admit, this is one of the only films to make me teary-eyed. And in my book, a film isn't worth recommending unless it leaves me emotional.

3. Strangers on a Train (1951)

One of the first Alfred Hitchcock films I ever saw, I'm amazed that this film doesn't have the recognition that Hitchcock's other films have; i.e. Psycho and North by Northwest. The film's premise is very unique. While the other actors do a good job, it's Robert Walker who steals the show as the antagonist Bruno - a mentally unstable man who feels so degraded by his father that he's willing to kill a complete stranger in order to ensure his father's death. Walker portrays him as both a sympathetic victim and creep.The build-up to the climax is great, I remember watching this film for the first time being so engrossed in. Indeed, I don't think I've ever seen a more intense tennis game ever since! So if you're looking for a film with an interesting premise with fascinating characters, this film's for you. 

4. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

This is another Disney film that flies under the radar. But while The Great Mouse Detective has a growing fan base, The Rescuers Down Under is still unknown to the general public. Admittedly, the story isn't anything too spectacular - mice heading to Australia to save a boy. But what makes this film stand out is the animation. The animation has such an epic feel to it that it's hard not to get swept up by the scenery. Cody and the eagle's flying scene alone sends chills down my spine. So in my opinion, this is the best Disney sequel and deserves to be recognized with the other films that were released during the Disney Renaissance.

5. Beauty and the Beast (1976)

OK, I know I'm cheating here because this is actually a Hallmark TV movie. But it's still a full length motion picture, so it counts in my book. The film is basically a basic adaptation of the classic fairy tale. But what makes this adaptation special are the lead actors. George C. Scott and Trish Van Deare give excellent performances. Scott's portrays him as someone who's on the edge between him human and his animal self. And Van Deare portrays Belle as a strong-willed woman who's not afraid to stand up the Beast. I'm sure that there wasn't a whole lot of money put into this film, but the sets and costumes look great. Unfortunately, the DVD is extremely hard to find, but in my mind, it's well worth the search.


So that's it for this review. Please check these films out, it well worth finding and watching these hidden treasures. 

Kindred Spirit: An Interview with Brett McCracken

In my last post, I wrote about the reasons people enjoy films. As I was looking for articles about people's love for films, I kept asking myself these questions: "Are there any Christians who not only love films, but see them as potentials for ministry tools?"

 During my search, I found an article written by Brett McCracken. http://stillsearching.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/why-do-we-watch-movies/

McCracken is the author of Hipster Christianity: When Church & Cool Collide and has written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNN.com, The Princeton Theological Review, Mediascape, Books & Culture, Christianity Today, Relevant, IMAGE Journal, Q Ideas and Conversantlife.com 

My reaction when I read the article: "Hallelujah! My question has been answered! I'd like to get to know him." Here is the interview I had with him.

1. When did you develop your interest in films? Why?

I have loved films as far back as I can remember. I loved the magic of cinema and the way that it transported you across the world, to different places and times. It was a way to travel without really moving. And I have always loved travel. 

I became interested in films from a critical/aesthetic perspective in high school and college, pretty much when I started watching films by Terrence Malick. I began writing movie reviews for newspapers, websites and my interest only grew from there.

2. Why do you believe it's important for Christians not to ignore films?

I think it's important because film is part of our culture. Films are part of the vocabulary of our times. If we ignore films or hide from them, I believe it will impair Christians in their gospel witness. Our communication will suffer because our vocabulary will be limited. Furthermore, films can be beautiful pieces of art that can testify to the glory of God and teach us things about goodness, truth and beauty. It would be sad for Christians if they downplayed or ignored this possibility.


3. (In your opinion) How should a Christian 'embrace' films?

With discernment. I don't think it's wise for Christians to embrace a film uncritically, without first thinking about whether or not the film is something that honestly and excellently explores truth and beauty. I believe Christians can and should be enthusiastic about films, but they should be selective about which ones they are enthusiastic about.

4. Do you believe that Christians can make an impact on films if they invested time to study it (and not just for entertainment)

Certainly. But it will take time and effort. One cannot make a significant impact on the film industry by taking shortcuts. I would love to see Christians who are serious about film and take the time to learn about film history, theory, criticism, etc. before they set out to make films. They should spend time watching art films and the classics of cinema, learning the craft from the masters and thinking deeply about what it is about cinema that affects us in such a profound way.

5. It's true that Christians usually stay away from films because of objectionable content. How do you 'handle' objectionable content and how can Christians handle it?

Again, with caution and discernment. Pay especially close attention to your own weaknesses: do you struggle with lust? Avoid movies with sex/nudity. Do you have a hard time controlling your language? Avoid movies with hundreds of cuss words. Also, be mindful of your community.  Don't take a friend to see a horror movie if you know they have a hard time with violence. I'd advise reading Romans 14 to think clearly about the idea of Christian liberty and conscience in these areas. Also, i suggest asking yourself with any movie: would I be comfortable watching this in my church, or with my pastor? If not, you should be concerned.

To read the rest of McCracken's blog: go to http://stillsearching.wordpress.com/