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Reviews of Books & Movies

Bandslam Rocks

Netflix suggested that I would like the movie Bandslam; they were right.

Bandslam centers around a high school battle of the bands, offering credible musical performances in an interesting story line: misfit Will is recruited by popular Charlotte to “manage” her fledgling band. 

This is what he is uniquely skilled to do, quickly assembling an eclectic group of musicians to round out the sound and smooth their rough edges.  In the process he turns a wannabe rock group into a convincing and competitive act.

The movie stars Alyson Michalka (from the group Aly and AJ) as Charlotte Banks and Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) as Sa5m (“the five is silent”) in convincing performances. 

Although Sa5m’s connection with Will is expected, Charlotte’s interest in him is perplexing. 

Additionally, Lisa Kudrow (Friends) plays Will’s mom in a small, but interesting supporting role; David Bowie makes a cameo appearance.

Notably, all the actors in this movie do their own singing; there is no lip-syncing or dubbing, allowing viewers to enjoy the performances without the typically constant reminder that the performance is staged. 

Of significance is the band’s impromptu cover of the 70’s mellow pop ballad “Everything I Own,” turning it into a memorable, upbeat rock/ska performance .

If you like good music, or simply enjoy an interesting plot with compelling characters, check out Bandslam.

As for me, I’ll check out the next movie Netflix recommends.

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Categories
Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Race to Witch Mountain

Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson) is a Vegas cabbie who just wants to do his job and stay out of trouble, but when two teens flash a wad of cash and give a cryptic destination, he reluctantly obliges. 

The teens are actually aliens, sent by their parents to retrieve an experiment to determine earth’s suitability for their race’s inhabitation. 

The results of the test, however, show how their own dying world can be revived, but an opposing faction seeks to suppress this truth and is planning an imminent invasion anyway.

The trio enlists the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), a discredited UFO expert. 

Together they race to the top-secret government installation on Witch Mountain to retrieve their spacecraft so that the “kids” can fly home with the evidence to stave off the attack. 

In addition to US military and government opposition, they face a killer robot, sent from their home world, to hunt them down.

Fans of the 1975 Escape to Witch Mountain will enjoy some pleasing and subtle tie-ins, including cameo appearances of the original stars.

This is an action packed movie, with something for everyone, that is sure to please.

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Personal Posts

My Favorite Comedy Movies

Here are my favorite comedies. Sometimes the humor is subtle; other times I smile; and occasionally I laugh till there are tears in my eyes and my stomach hurts.

  • Big
  • Cheaper by the Dozen
  • Clueless
  • Coneheads
  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun
  • Jack
  • Kindergarten Cop
  • Legally Blonde
  • Miss Congeniality
  • Monster-in-Law
  • Mrs. Doubtfire
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding
  • She’s All That
  • She’s the Man
  • Sister Act
  • Sydney White
  • The Kid
  • The Parent Trap (1998)
  • The Trouble with Harry
  • The Waterboy
  • The Whole Nine Yards
  • Tommy Boy
  • Tootsie
  • Uncle Buck

How many of these would make your list?

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Categories
Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Bolt

Movies about pets striving to be reunited with their owners are not new, but the movie Bolt one adds a unique twist: the dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) thinks his movie-set existence as a super dog is real. 

Did I mention that he is cute, too?

Then when accidentally thrown into the unsheltered real world, Bolt struggles to be reunited with his beloved Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus).

He knows that her love for him is real and refuses to consider that she was just acting.

This comedy-drama provides many great laughs, but has truly touching moments, too.

It is filled with interesting animal characters and voiced by talented actors; plus it has great scenes, creative elements, and a well-conceived plot. 

In addition, the 3D effects are not gratuitously inserted, but wisely apportioned throughout the show.

Bolt is a must-see movie—for children of all ages.

Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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