Reviews (102)

The REAL reason to see this movie is.....
Janaya Stephens (the redheaded Canadian actress who plays Chloe Steel) is the cutest, hottest, most gorgeous woman ever on the face of the Earth! She just looks SO beautiful and "alive" here that she makes this cheesy low-budget film worth watching, and she even makes Chelsea Noble, who I'd usually consider a good-looking woman, look bland and ordinary by comparison! The way Janaya looks in the scene where she is in the purple dress at the Church service...WOW, pure feminine perfection! Her big sweet smile in the photo booth scene with Kirk Cameron would melt any heterosexual man's heart. Her big wide eyes and full-lips, GORGEOUS!!! The Church audience that loves this film might be shocked to know that Janaya is no goody-goody Christian either. In fact, she appeared totally nude during a sex scene in an episode of the Canadian TV show "Lexx" (and yes, full nudity is allowed on Canadian TV late at night). Those males who fall in love with her after seeing her here in "Left Behind 2" might want to check that episode of "Lexx" out too, although I'm sure their pastor won't approve! While I repect this flick's religious message, I may just start my own Church and worship Janaya instead! My Rating: the story and rest of the cast get 3 stars. Janaya Stephens gets TEN stars for being so perfect and beautiful!!!

Come on, people-not so critical please!!!
Let me start by saying that I have both Left Behind I and II on DVD and love them!! Yes, many people will complain that the movies leave so much out from what the book has but then don't many "script to screen" attempts do that?

If you ask me, hats off to Peter and Paul Lalonde for putting out two BETTER quality Christian movies then some of the ones that some of us have seen in our home churches in the past. The poorly made End Time films of the '70s and '80s. Cloud Ten Pictures and Namesake Entertainment did the best with the money they had. It's hard to find funding for Christian Movies-no one's interested and why? Because the message of life through our Lord Jesus Christ will always be attempted to be down-played by those who don't believe.

We need to not be rating this movie like we would secular movies. This movie is trying to get a message of Salvation through Jesus Christ to those who don't believe. It's not about thinking if its' Hollywood quality as far as script and cinematography. And as for the comment about the Angel "hypnotizing" the guards, Angels would not use secular means to their advantage. It was the Holy Spirit working through the Angel as she sings it brings forth the mighty power of God to stop those guards. We as Christians need to understand that the Spirit of God is so mighty, mighty enough to stand against any guards and most importantly to stand against Satan.

Who knows, one day when Jesus comes again and the rapture takes place. A person that is left behind may put this video in and realize the reality of what has just happened and commit their life to Jesus Christ.

Bad or good reviews of this movie doesn't matter. Someone's life being touched and changed by the message of Salvation in these movies is ALL that matters!!!!

Glad they made this into video, but...
Too many inconsistencies that don't make sense, nor change the storyline if they would've been acurate.

- Buck never referred to himself in public as Buck, it was always Cameron.
- Buck was a newspaper writer, not a TV reporter
- The GC didn't forbid people to go near the wailing wall this early in the series.
- Chloe is blonde in the books
- Dr. Benjudah (sp) didn't take the stand he did in the video. He never said there was no God, and he invited Buck to the wall, not the other way around.
- In the book, Nicolae didn't have outbursts like at the end of the video.
- Rayford didn't have to beg Hattie for the GC1 pilot job, he was practically pushed into it. Same for Buck.

Aside from these few examples, too many things were rushed through. I would love to have seen the part where Verna gets faced by her boss when she tries to give Buck a hard time.

I'm glad they made this into video, because it was simply entertaining, but I would highly recommend reading the book (the series, for that matter). If you don't, you're missing out on a great story.

knock a star off for displeasing the authors
I can watch this movie again and again, only a few problems:

(1) The priceless Buck and Chloe story in Tribulation Force is a little rushed by in the movie.
(2) IVY! I think she's funny, but I just didn't see any reason for her character.(She also helps to spoil the Buck/Chloe scene)
(3) The witnesses were good, but also rushed by.
Generally, I think the casting is great, the message is great, overall the movie is excellent.

Good movie, but doesn't follow book.
Ive read Tribulation Force, and have seen the first movie,and have recently seen this one. Doesn't meet the same quality of the first movie, which closely followed the book. This movie cuts out almost half the book. I mean, it stopped after just showing the two witnesses. It cuts out the signing of the treaty, and Buck and Chloe's relationship, and wedding, along with Rayford new relationship with Amanda White. It just doesn't meet the same standard as the first Left Behind movie. ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Inspiring Information¿
Ted Baehr, of Movie Guide, is the most authoritative voice on Christian filmmaking and Christian values within Hollywood films. He was provided a rough cut of the movie (no music, no sound effects, etc.). Here is what he said: "In my opinion this film (Left Behind II: Tribulation Force) is better than the first one... The evangelistic power of this film is awesome! Characters repeatedly come to Christ in powerfully acted and compelling scenes... Fans of the book Tribulation Force will be especially pleased with the film's faithfulness to their favorite scenes... I love it when dedicated teams of Christians make quality Christian films like Left Behind II: Tribulation Force." ...

Can't wait
This is one of the best series ever written and I can't believe some of the negative feedback that's being posted. People talking about how they thought this movie should be as big as Spiderman's or Star Wars special effects. Come on, get real...How many independant movie companies out there can you think of that can afford over 100 million dollars? None that I can think of. I think what they did in special effects at the budget they had was an outstanding job. Also the characters I felt were some of the best. There are some great actors in there, just to mention a few (Clarence Gilyard Jr., Brad Johnson, and Gordan Currie who was perfect for the part of Carpathia). I hope to see the entire series come out and I will be one of the first people to see each and every one. We need more movies like this. I highly encourage everybody to go and see it and to pay no attention to the negative reviews.

Going to be Great!
I am really confused here as I read these reviews, as along with Pastor Greg, I also know that this movie is not released yet! It is not even in the hands of the official reviewers yet! How these people can say it is horrible is beyond me. Further, folks, please be careful believing what you read. You can learn more about this film and find out that it is going to have a limited theatrical release also. Make sure the reviewer knows what they are talking about! Check out the offical web site. Having been on site of the movie, yes, this movie is going to be beyond anything that Cloud Ten has done yet! I see a great movie on the scene.

never should have been made
basically, these left behind movies are (poor). as a film series, they earn no respect. the dialogue is emotionless, static even. jokes and puns at totally inappropriate times, during struggle, etc. horrendous acting. and instead of trying to accept and work with their small budget, they try to fight it, and the below mediocre tension is very noticeable. no one is believable, or identifiable. and there is too much of an underlying agenda, (while agendas are not bad, they ruin a film/become inaffective when so strongly thrown across) instead of trying to focus at all on the characters/relationships. a waste of film, time and money.

doomed
I don't see how this movie could be all that good! Left Behind was a horrible movie in many ways. All the reviews for it are bad. I was hoping it would be a movie as big as Spiderman, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings, but it was one of the worst. This movie isn't even going to theatres and if it's any better than the first one this movie probably won't be that good. Tho I could be wrong. It's doomed to follow in the steps of its predecesor. And i saw the trailer and laughed my head off. If you have to see this movie, rent it. Read the books tho, they're totally awesome!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Average at best.
The best part of this movie is "the eighties" era. Take Sean Astin (Toy Soldiers, Lord of the Rings) Kirk Cameron the (THEN) teen hearthrob from "Growing Pains", and add Dudley Moore from "10" and "Arthur" you would think you may have a great movie, but honestly it is mediocre at best. There are moments in which you may laugh?? really depends on your IQ. Then there are so many MORE moments where you feel you have seen it all before, and you probably have. Some scenes from the movie are cute. Other things tend to get a idiotic. I think this movie would be a good rental for an eighties theme night, otherwise I can not recommend it, not when there are so many other movies out there that are more worthy of your time!! I really would stick with "Freaky Friday", and "Big" if you want to see this type of movie. (No extra features, not one). (Picture quality is good to okay, sound is okay but definitely NOT Dolby surround).

Its on DVD!!!
YES!! Thank you Columbia/TriStar for putting this movie on DVD! I love this movie its one of my all time favorites. Classic 80's movie. Dudley Moore "Dr. Jack Hammond"is wonderful and very funny as the father, Kirk Cameron Shines as "Chris Hammond" his teenage son. They switch bodies when friend Sean Astin "Trigger" from"Lord of the Rings" brings it over to the brain-transference serum. Dudley Moore goes wild in his sons body and hits the town with Sean Astin while Kirk Cameron in his dads body goes to the hospital and makes arounds with his dads interns. This movie I highly recommend only for teenagers and older, not for younger kids because of some of the language and adult seens. Please don't confuse this movie with that rip off "Freaky Friday" thats Disney stuff is for kids. This movie is underrated and full of laughes, Theres no special features on the DVD But it has been Remastered in High Definition! The picture quality is Awesome! Crystal Clear! really looks nice alot better than the grainy VHS version. Columbia/TriStar you guys ROCK! Great job on the DVD

Please know that the stars are for sentimentality
The stars I gave this film are for sentimental reasons. If you were a teenaged girl growing up in the late 1980s, this was on the must-see list. When I think that I dragged my parents to catch this on the big screen...it's no wonder I'm an only child! The performances here are predicatable. For those loving the "Lord of the Rings" series, note that Sean Astin plays a goofball friend of Kirk Cameron. Watch this only if you wish to travel back in time & remember simpler days.

Hillarious! Kirk Cameron shines!
This hillarious comedy,about a teenager(Kirk Cameron) who switches bodies with his surgeon father(Dudley Moore),isn't just a hip,80's romp,but it has very touching moments as well! Also features Patty Duke's son,Sean Austin,as well as a great 80's soundtrack.Kirk Cameron really is funny! And Dudley Moore is great! I have loved this film since it was released,and even though some critics had mixed reviews,it made $40 million at the box-office,and still holds up as a great slapstick comedy!

It was OK
This movie got boring from time to time. It is very funny but not that great. Don't buy this movie RENT it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This shaggy-dog fable barely drew fleas when it arrived in the winter of 1986. Now critics refer to it as a winning, offbeat classic. What took 'em so long? Probably the fact that director Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies) and screenwriter Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) were chasing something very elusive: a cockeyed, scatological look at delayed glory. Robin Williams plays Jack Dundee, a meek bank VP in Taft, California, who daily relives the humiliation of a bobbled pass in the game against Bakersfield. Not content to live out his days as "Butterfingers" Dundee, Jack hits on a plan to "rewrite history" by restaging the Big Game. Taft's now-over-the-hill quarterback, Reno Hightower (Kurt Russell), reluctantly goes along with the harebrained scheme to redeem his buddy. The guys' wives (Holly Palance and Pamela Reed) shake their heads and play along. At once zany, sweet, and nostalgic, this small-town chronicle strives for, and achieves, folk-legend status. "Casey at the Bat" in shoulder pads, anyone? --Glenn Lovell ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good film but I may be biased!!
The reason I watched this film is because I have a connection with the real story. For me thats always what makes this film real and brings back many memories. Sadly I did think the acting at times was a little less than desirable and those english accents were poor at times, although the story behind the film will pull me back to watch it again and again. Actually quite funny for me seeing Carshalton portrayed as such an American town!! Its nothing like that in real life - our door numbers rarely go past the hundreds in England!! The DVD is better than the VHS purley due to the extras - Craig is 25 now and fit and well and its nice to hear him on the DVD. For anyone who liked the film Marion Shergold released a book many years back called 'a mothers story'. Thats a very good read and I would recommend it highly!!

Christian Movie Genre has gone Unnoticed. This is a Gem!
It's become apparent to me that the Christian Movie Genre has gone unnoticed by a great many Christians. This true story of this 8 year old boy should be seen by anyone who is looking for faith and hope. At first glance one might think that the story of a kid receiving over a million cards is nice, but not worth sitting through. Wrong on both counts! I put off seeing it for these reasons, and when I finally saw it I now put it up there among my favorite Christian movies. This is a well scripted, professionally filmed movie. The acting is superb. The story moves right along at a good clip and at the end - the hardest among us will probably have teary eyes and a feeling of love and caring that we never had before. Understanding this movie is sort of like flexing a muscle that has never been flexed before. And its done by suddenly realizing that God is there. He just doesn't flaunt it, and He is working in such a way that will benefit the most.

HATED IT! What an insult to God!
At first I thought this was going to be a good movie; someone turning to God to get through a difficult time in their life. But instead the mother in the film began to put her faith in the cards, and in her own obsession of collecting them for her son. She neglects others in her family in doing so. She was snippy and rude. In the end, when all goes well, she gives the credit to the cards and her own determination. She gave none of the credit to God. Wasn't the whole reason for the film supposed to be to give credit where credit is due? Shame Shame on her! My copy went straight into the trash. . . where it belongs! Joshua 24:15; Philippians 4:8

Strong, realistic acting & inspirational story
The acting begins on the solid footing of an adorable "poster child" eight-year boy who develops a deadly brain tumor. This boy's charm alone would have garnered the film three stars.

The mother and father could have been his real parents--they played their parts so naturally. Mom won't give up when treatment becomes more aggressive and less likely to succeed. Dad believes it is best to be realistic and make the boy's last days comfortable and peaceful. Additionally, the struggle over pursuing "the miracle in the cards" was most realistic.

The main physician, Dr. Middleton, proved a master at being a compassionate but professional medical man, while communicating with a mother who believes he is destined to save her apparently doomed child.

Richard Thomas may not conjur up an image of brain surgeon in most people's minds, but he did play the role of counseling the sick child and his parents well. Perhaps he came across more as a hospital chaplain than a surgeon. Nevertheless, the role worked, and rounded out the story smoothly.

Finally, there is Kirk Cameron as the skeptical "hard news" journalist assigned to a feature story. He seems most comfortable in the role of feature journalist--much more than his attempts at hard news, such as in the Left Behind movie. He does not pan out as much of a skeptic. Nevertheless, his role added a sweet touch, that closed the film nicely.

Concerning the plot, there is a fair amount of tension in this film--though it aims more to inspire than tease. Towards the end, I started to wonder if there was ever going to be an upward turn in this downward spiraling medical tale. Then, right at the end there is the abrupt medical update...one I will not divulge. My one complaint is that the ending came rather suddenly--though the actual story may have been the same.

The bottom line is that this is a sweet, inspirational tale of a rather unique miracle. The acting is realistic, and you will conclude your viewing with a smile.

Mmmm Peter Wingfield
I may be a bit biased, because the reason I turned it to PAX and watched this movie was because of my 'obscure welsh actor obsession'. I loved the movie, it was a cute story that makes you wonder... and Peter Wingfield is in it, what more could you want? ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good film but I may be biased!!
The reason I watched this film is because I have a connection with the real story. For me thats always what makes this film real and brings back many memories. Sadly I did think the acting at times was a little less than desirable and those english accents were poor at times, although the story behind the film will pull me back to watch it again and again. Actually quite funny for me seeing Carshalton portrayed as such an American town!! Its nothing like that in real life - our door numbers rarely go past the hundreds in England!! The DVD is better than the VHS purley due to the extras - Craig is 25 now and fit and well and its nice to hear him on the DVD. For anyone who liked the film Marion Shergold released a book many years back called 'a mothers story'. Thats a very good read and I would recommend it highly!!

Christian Movie Genre has gone Unnoticed. This is a Gem!
It's become apparent to me that the Christian Movie Genre has gone unnoticed by a great many Christians. This true story of this 8 year old boy should be seen by anyone who is looking for faith and hope. At first glance one might think that the story of a kid receiving over a million cards is nice, but not worth sitting through. Wrong on both counts! I put off seeing it for these reasons, and when I finally saw it I now put it up there among my favorite Christian movies. This is a well scripted, professionally filmed movie. The acting is superb. The story moves right along at a good clip and at the end - the hardest among us will probably have teary eyes and a feeling of love and caring that we never had before. Understanding this movie is sort of like flexing a muscle that has never been flexed before. And its done by suddenly realizing that God is there. He just doesn't flaunt it, and He is working in such a way that will benefit the most.

HATED IT! What an insult to God!
At first I thought this was going to be a good movie; someone turning to God to get through a difficult time in their life. But instead the mother in the film began to put her faith in the cards, and in her own obsession of collecting them for her son. She neglects others in her family in doing so. She was snippy and rude. In the end, when all goes well, she gives the credit to the cards and her own determination. She gave none of the credit to God. Wasn't the whole reason for the film supposed to be to give credit where credit is due? Shame Shame on her! My copy went straight into the trash. . . where it belongs! Joshua 24:15; Philippians 4:8

Strong, realistic acting & inspirational story
The acting begins on the solid footing of an adorable "poster child" eight-year boy who develops a deadly brain tumor. This boy's charm alone would have garnered the film three stars.

The mother and father could have been his real parents--they played their parts so naturally. Mom won't give up when treatment becomes more aggressive and less likely to succeed. Dad believes it is best to be realistic and make the boy's last days comfortable and peaceful. Additionally, the struggle over pursuing "the miracle in the cards" was most realistic.

The main physician, Dr. Middleton, proved a master at being a compassionate but professional medical man, while communicating with a mother who believes he is destined to save her apparently doomed child.

Richard Thomas may not conjur up an image of brain surgeon in most people's minds, but he did play the role of counseling the sick child and his parents well. Perhaps he came across more as a hospital chaplain than a surgeon. Nevertheless, the role worked, and rounded out the story smoothly.

Finally, there is Kirk Cameron as the skeptical "hard news" journalist assigned to a feature story. He seems most comfortable in the role of feature journalist--much more than his attempts at hard news, such as in the Left Behind movie. He does not pan out as much of a skeptic. Nevertheless, his role added a sweet touch, that closed the film nicely.

Concerning the plot, there is a fair amount of tension in this film--though it aims more to inspire than tease. Towards the end, I started to wonder if there was ever going to be an upward turn in this downward spiraling medical tale. Then, right at the end there is the abrupt medical update...one I will not divulge. My one complaint is that the ending came rather suddenly--though the actual story may have been the same.

The bottom line is that this is a sweet, inspirational tale of a rather unique miracle. The acting is realistic, and you will conclude your viewing with a smile.

Mmmm Peter Wingfield
I may be a bit biased, because the reason I turned it to PAX and watched this movie was because of my 'obscure welsh actor obsession'. I loved the movie, it was a cute story that makes you wonder... and Peter Wingfield is in it, what more could you want? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Many think Christmas is a time for giving and charity, but not themakers of Santa's Funniest Moments and Practical Jokes. They mine theseason for all the laughs and practical jokes they can--naughty and nice. Justshy of an hour, the show is hosted by Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron whointroduces each segment. There are plenty of Santas on skis and sleds who runinto trees, people, and snowmen, or just plain wipe out. Viewers sent in theirown home videos of holiday mishaps, several of which involve falling Christmastrees and tripping and dropping Christmas dinner (sometimes into the pool). Thepractical jokes are rather funny, but when you realize they are mostly staged(all at the same "department store"), it takes away from some of the humor. Abonus program, More Santa's Funniest Moments, is included. Fans ofAmerica's Funniest Home Videos will laugh at this Christmas version ofthe same type of show. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more