donmisc
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
8 years
Reviews
Phineas and Ferb (2007)
Quite simply, one of the best cartoons ever!
The writing, voice acting, and overall show is outstanding. There's such creativity and wit that the show is entertaining for children and adults alike. Some jokes are more adult-oriented (without being sexual or raunchy), but other elements are right in line with children ages 6-13 (my opinion on the age range). It's clean, thoughtful, and keeps a simple formula. The interaction between the two boys/their friends and the older sister is like a more complex, modern Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. Great cartoon!
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022)
Lacks the Charm of the Original
Let's face it, after a couple episodes, it's clear to see this one lacks the charm and humor of the original. The clever, surprising things that made me laugh on the original are rarely present on this one. Additionally, Oscar seems even weaker and more of a push over/buffoon than before. Not to mention there's awkward writing and comedic timing. Finally, I'm not with this agenda--the one where you need prominent displays of LGBTQ+ characters in every show. (****SPOILER****) Removing Sticky in order to give Micheal more screen time was a typical but unnecessary move for a kids cartoon show focused on laughter, family, and African American culture (I know Orlando Brown was the original Sticky and may have his own issues that prevented his involvement, but there are articles that indicate he was removed in order to "expand (the Proud Family) world."). Overall, it's not very good, and I'm not inclined to watch more. Pass.
In God's Time (2015)
Not Very Well Done
I'm a Christian and enjoy Christian films.
That said, this isn't particularly "Christian" (in a theological sense) and isn't a great "film." Way too many long sequences with dramatic music--for no real reason-overtake the film. Neither the Bible nor the Gospel are set as the primary catalyst for character change. The acting is okay, but not good or great. Cinematography leaves much to be desired with odd angles and lengthy focuses on characters.
I don't want to be harsh, but at the time of my watching the movie, it had an IMDB rating of 7.2. That made me think it'd been decent-to-good. It was neither. I know Christian cinema has gotten better and still has a way to go, but there better films where you can get past mediocre acting and low-budget within the Christian genre (ie., Fireproof, Courageous, War Room)
I don't want to be harsh, but at the time of my watching the movie, it had an IMDB rating of 7.2. That made me think it'd been decent-to-good. It was neither. I know Christian cinema has gotten better and still has a way to go, but there better films where you can get past mediocre acting and low-budget within the Christian genre (ie., Fireproof, Courageous, War Room)
Audacity (2015)
In context? Audacity is Good, not Great.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a Christian. I support biblical marriage as traditionally and exegetically found in the Bible, and I do declare homosexuality a sin (see porneia, Gr.). While I support Ray Comfort and Living Waters, I don't know them personally, have never met them, nor have I ever worked in their ministry. I simply reviewed numerous consecutive reviews here that rejected the movie, "Audacity," in a way that seemed to possess bias.
REVIEW: Now that some formalities have been declared, allow me to write my review. I don't claim that my review will end the debate on this sensitive issue, but I hope when it is weighed in comparison to the other Audacity reviews on IMDb, my review (that may well be biased also) from a different perspective will provide counter balance.
Story and Acting. Personally, I thought the story was pretty good for a Christian film. Those unfamiliar with Christian films and/or independent films may not realize that this is pretty good (or simply may have a different opinion). Honestly, it exceeded my expectations. This is not to say anything was Oscar-worthy in Audacity, but I'm looking at this film in the context of what it is. It is a film with an objective, and I think that objective was to have a watchable movie that would portray the sentiments of the majority of evangelical Christians (the real ones, not the pretenders or one's that cave to the whims of society) concerning their view of homosexuality and the gay community. Living Waters is a ministry dedicated towards evangelism, so it is obvious they have an additional goal of persuading people towards Christ.
As it pertains to acting, I was happy to hear that Ray Comfort was hiring "real" actors regardless of whether or not they were Christian. I knew this would lend to better acting. The two main characters provided sufficient acting as not to detract from the film. Hence, I thought they were on par with a direct-to-DVD movie or a random flick in the "Recently Added" portion of Netflix. It was good, but not great. For 55 minutes of one's time, the actors did well.
DVD Costs. A few complained of the film not being worth $20 and seemed to indict Ray Comfort on the basis of being "about money." This is an extremely weak argument considering you can watch the film on YouTube for free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbPu2rtmDbY). Further, with the cost of hiring actors and other particulars associated with film production, you can understand an independent filmmaker trying to sell a DVD at this price point. What's more, for those who purchase more than twenty DVDs, the price per unit decreases drastically (simple business / economies of scale). While I can't say for certainty, all these tenets lend to the idea that the DVDs are *really* for other Churches to purchase for distribution—not for the general public who are curious.
Overall - 7 out of 10 In the end, Audacity is pretty good. It's a worthwhile 55 minutes. That said, I'm also unapologetically Christian. I love those who hate the film. I love those who hate me. I want nothing more than for those apart from Christ to find Him and experience His salvation, so in this way I stand with Living Waters. Further, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion concerning this film. However, in a society that increasingly uses the guise of "political correctness" to silence the masses on sensitive issues, an entry like Audacity is needed. Audacity addresses a sensitive subject acknowledging there are great passions on both sides. Does it have an agenda? Absolutely. Yet, I challenge anyone to find a film without one. The difference here? Audacity challenges more than homosexuality; it challenges one's view of morality and God.
---Overall = 7.5/10
REVIEW: Now that some formalities have been declared, allow me to write my review. I don't claim that my review will end the debate on this sensitive issue, but I hope when it is weighed in comparison to the other Audacity reviews on IMDb, my review (that may well be biased also) from a different perspective will provide counter balance.
Story and Acting. Personally, I thought the story was pretty good for a Christian film. Those unfamiliar with Christian films and/or independent films may not realize that this is pretty good (or simply may have a different opinion). Honestly, it exceeded my expectations. This is not to say anything was Oscar-worthy in Audacity, but I'm looking at this film in the context of what it is. It is a film with an objective, and I think that objective was to have a watchable movie that would portray the sentiments of the majority of evangelical Christians (the real ones, not the pretenders or one's that cave to the whims of society) concerning their view of homosexuality and the gay community. Living Waters is a ministry dedicated towards evangelism, so it is obvious they have an additional goal of persuading people towards Christ.
As it pertains to acting, I was happy to hear that Ray Comfort was hiring "real" actors regardless of whether or not they were Christian. I knew this would lend to better acting. The two main characters provided sufficient acting as not to detract from the film. Hence, I thought they were on par with a direct-to-DVD movie or a random flick in the "Recently Added" portion of Netflix. It was good, but not great. For 55 minutes of one's time, the actors did well.
DVD Costs. A few complained of the film not being worth $20 and seemed to indict Ray Comfort on the basis of being "about money." This is an extremely weak argument considering you can watch the film on YouTube for free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbPu2rtmDbY). Further, with the cost of hiring actors and other particulars associated with film production, you can understand an independent filmmaker trying to sell a DVD at this price point. What's more, for those who purchase more than twenty DVDs, the price per unit decreases drastically (simple business / economies of scale). While I can't say for certainty, all these tenets lend to the idea that the DVDs are *really* for other Churches to purchase for distribution—not for the general public who are curious.
Overall - 7 out of 10 In the end, Audacity is pretty good. It's a worthwhile 55 minutes. That said, I'm also unapologetically Christian. I love those who hate the film. I love those who hate me. I want nothing more than for those apart from Christ to find Him and experience His salvation, so in this way I stand with Living Waters. Further, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion concerning this film. However, in a society that increasingly uses the guise of "political correctness" to silence the masses on sensitive issues, an entry like Audacity is needed. Audacity addresses a sensitive subject acknowledging there are great passions on both sides. Does it have an agenda? Absolutely. Yet, I challenge anyone to find a film without one. The difference here? Audacity challenges more than homosexuality; it challenges one's view of morality and God.
---Overall = 7.5/10