Movies, anyone? -- Part 1

Hi there, friends!

Sorry I've been gone for so long. Been really busy lately and haven't had much time to post. Lots going on here at the Mathison household! :)

A little earlier, I was asking my Mom her opinion on a certain aspect of my blog -- and our discussion turned into an idea for a blog post!

If you all are anything like us, you probably have a difficult time finding good, wholesome movies that are well-done, aren't filled with trash, and have a redeeming storyline. (Wow...these days...that's not asking much, is it?!)

Believe me -- we have, too. But, over the years, especially as I've been getting older, there have been some more 'good'ns' that we (or in some cases, "I") hold dear to our ("my") heart(s). :) I thought maybe I'd share some of these with you, as we know how difficult it can be!

By the way -- as a quick suggestion, if you've never heard of Netflix, you may want to check it out -- while there is a ton of trash on there (I never peruse Netflix), my dear Momma has definitely found a few real gems! :) There are thousands and thousands of movies on there (quite a few good Christian dramas/docu-dramas/documentaries), and for the one-at-a-time package, it's only $8.99 (plus tax) every month. We really enjoy it. :) There are also tons of movies on there that you can watch instantly (as opposed to through the mail) on your computer, that are excellent!
So, here are 5 of my favorite movies (and this is only part one of a series of posts I plan on doing on this subject), in order -- from very, very favorites, to favorites. :)

And one more thing -- although I think these are all very good movies for certain audiences, I wouldn't recommend them all for young children -- and, of course, everybody's standards are different; just because our family approves of a certain movie doesn't, of course, mean every family will. :)

There was a huge toss-up in my little mind between these first two -- Places in the Heart, and Fireproof. But finally, Places in the Heart won...


Places in the Heart (1984) -- 112 minutes
This movie is a tearjerker if I've ever watched one! The ending had tears literally streaming down my face. Written and directed by Robert Benton.
Sally Field does an excellent job playing the main character -- a young woman, suddenly and startlingly widowed, living with her two children in Waxahachie, Texas during the Depression. Confused and frightened, she's at a loss as to how to support her family without her husband. When a young black man (Danny Glover), an expert at cotton-raising, enters her life, things are beginning to look more hopeful. But what about the pickers from the South?
This movie is described as bittersweet, and I completely agree. There is such a stark contrast between the hatred and evil of man and the love and forgiveness that can only come from God. While not necessarily deemed "Christian", the ending is very allegorical, and is a real thought-provoker. All in all, I'd rate this one with 5 stars. :) Probably very close to the (if not by all means the) best movie I've ever watched.
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 12 or 13. There is some violence that could be disturbing to a young child, and there are a couple characters on the movie who cheat on their spouses. Also some mild language.


Fireproof (2008) -- 118 minutes
As I said -- I was having a very difficult time deciding between Places in the Heart and Fireproof; both are absolutely superb. Fireproof is a perfect blend of the Lord's Word, His principles and His love; humor; tears; and action. Written by Stephen & Alex Kendrick; directed by Alex Kendrick.
Although many of my readers have probably seen it already -- for those of you that haven't, it's about a firefighter named Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) who, although he risks his life over and over again in burning buildings, saving people he doesn't even know, is about to let his own marriage burn to the ground. Just before he and his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), are about to get an ugly divorce, his Dad challenges him with The Love Dare -- a 40-day spiritual journey to win back the heart of his wife. Another one of Sherwood Pictures' excellent movies! :) And although this story is based on a husband and wife, and it was made primarily for married couples, it is very inspiring for unmarried young men and young ladies like myself! Five-star rating -- by all means! :)
NOTE: Again, I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 12 or 13, for some disturbing scenes associated with Caleb's nerve-wracking job, and some subtle references to some struggles Caleb has.

Here's the trailer!




Luther (2003) -- 124 minutes
Yet another one of those 'best movies ever made' in my book! As the back of the movie describes it better than I ever could, I'll quote it:
"Joseph Fiennes stars as Martin Luther, the brilliant man of God whose defiant actions changed the world, in this "epic, ravishingly beautiful" (The New York Times) film that traces Luther's extraordinary and exhilarating quest for the people's liberation. Regional princes and the powerful Church wield a fast, firm and merciless grip on 16th-century Germany. But when Martin Luther issues a shocking challenge to their authority, the people declare him their new leader -- and hero. Even when threatened with violent death, Luther refuses to back down, sparking a bloody revolution that shakes the entire continent to its core."
Eeeek! That's what I say! And I guarantee if you're even just a little bit like me, you'll be saying the same thing after you watch it! :) This movie has some extremely inspiring contents that can really set you on fire for the Lord. FANTASTIC movie! A must-see!
NOTE: I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 13, for some mild language, and some disturbing images of violence.


Sweet Land (2005) -- 110 minutes
This is a beautiful and whimsical story -- one of my very favorites! Here's the Netflix description:
In Ali Selim's Independent Spirit Award-winning tale of how love triumphs over ignorance, German immigrant Inge tells her life story to her grandson after burying her husband on their farm in Minnesota in 1968. Inge begins her tale in 1920, when she's just become a mail-order bride to Norwegian-American farmer Olaf. Discovering that Inge's heritage is actually German, both Olaf and the community struggle to overcome years of anti-German propaganda and prejudice. Excellent movie! :)
NOTE: This movie is rated PG for brief partial nudity and mild language. Well, we don't even remember the language (although we haven't watched it in a while), so there must not have been that much! And as for the brief partial nudity -- it sounds worse than it is...it's just a scene where Inge hops out of a tub to cover up (shows only bare thighs and shoulders).


Pamela's Prayer (1998) -- 57 minutes
While this movie certainly wasn't made with a million-dollar budget (it was produced by a small, family-0wned company), it is a very inspiring story! So beautiful! Also a bit corny, as the movie is primarily set in the 80's! :)...but nevertheless, it's bound to be quite an encouragement to young ladies (and young men) dedicated to purity and courtship vs. dating. This is an excellent story I'm sure you'll enjoy!
Note: There are some subtle references to adult content.


So...have any of my readers seen and enjoyed any of these? :)

A Short Tribute to My Birthday Gal (You've been Hacked!) and I'll be back with MORE TOMORROW!!! he-he! (evil snicker)--kidding ;)

Love ya!

You're a Blessing to us Noelle,

Many Happy returns of the Day!

~Your Mum & Dad :)

Looking back

Strange. Odd. Eccentric. Extraordinary. Outlandish. Weird.

Okay -- so maybe it wasn't that bad, but...let me try again.

Different; interesting; quiet; introverted; and extroverted; deep -- and yes, strange; odd; eccentric; extraordinary; outlandish; weird.

Yes, yes, to a tee. Right on the money!

That was (okay, so it still is) ME!

Maybe it's just the close of yet another year that's putting me into such a reflective state of mind and heart. "The close of another year!" you say; "Why, this year's just begun!"

Ah, my friend, but you are wrong. Because for me, it's just the beginning! It actually hasn't EVEN begun just quite yet! And no, I'm not speaking of the end of 2008, beginning of 2009. I'm speaking of the end of 13, the beginning of 14.


January 19th, 1995, at 5:11 PM, a baby girl, me!, was born. That's 14 years ago!

Looking back over the past 14 years, I find my head whirling in a barrage of many emotions; I find myself laughing, crying, gritting my teeth, smiling, shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders...........life is so glorious and so hectic both at the same time!

You gotta figure...life can glorious physically (materially; your surroundings; etc.), mentally (new discoveries; 'light-bulb moments'; etc.), emotionally (tears; laughter; joy; sorrow; and all the rest!), and spiritually (growing and learning to walk with God; entering into a literal love-relationship with Him; and again, discoveries; light-bulb moments, etc.!).
Life can also be hectic physically; mentally; emotionally; and spiritually. There is such a range of emotions throughout our lifetimes...have you ever thought about how incredible it is that we can HAVE emotions?? Emotions are such amazing things...they can cause you to will and to act, to love, to hate...they can change your life, for better or for worse. And it's up to each one of us to take responsibility for our OWN emotions, so that it directs the course of our life for BETTER or for WORSE. Which path do you want to travel down? I for one have chosen the BETTER path, by the grace of God! And He promises to sustain us; provide for all of our needs; to give us ALL that we need for life and godliness. Is this an incredible thought or what?!

For whatever reason (I suppose because I'm very much the reflective, pensive, romantic type), the end of another year of my life brings me to a state of deep contemplation. Looking back; remembering both mistakes and successes. How far have I come? How far do I have to go? (And for your information, the answer to both is FAR. :)

Getting in touch with seldom thought-about feelings and memories can be a harrowing, and joyful, experience. Not that I'm the type to stuff my feelings (which can bring about very bad fruit); but sometimes, inevitably, you're just not in touch with everything all the time. And right before a birthday is a time for me in which I am in touch with just about everything!

Birthdays have always been a big deal to me (I'm a very date-oriented person!), but the last few have been a big deal for different reasons. Isn't it a well-known fact that kids love any holiday because it usually means presents, good food, fun, a day off chores, etc.? :) Well, although holidays for me still include presents, good food, fun, etc. (a day off chores? umm, not do-able for me anymore ;), they mean something else now. A time of looking back, and looking ahead.
14?
Wow.
Am I still really young?
Yes.
To somebody in their 60's -- yes, I'm quite a youngster. :)
But thinking back (yes, I have been doing that a lot lately, if you haven't noticed!), I remember how, when I was little, 14 seemed so far away. 14! Oh my goodness! That's ancient! :) It seemed so important, so...so...important!

And now? Well, I'm not sure. I guess we'll just have to see what 14 brings my way. :)

...Go Light Your World

Hello friends and family,

I thought this would be excellent to start the new year out with. I'm not going to write much; I'm simply going to leave you with this to chew on! It's really something to think about as we ponder the upcoming 365 days, wouldn't you say?!

Have a blessed New Year!
~Noelle