Lars and the Real Girl Review by Chris Kaatz

Lars and the Real Girl was directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Nancy Oliver. This movie could be viewed by an audience consisting of any age, however the younger the audience is, the harder it would be for them to understand what is happening.
The basic plot of the story is that a man named Lars has gone a little crazy. For the longest time, he isolated himself in his house, and then he bought a sex doll so that he would have a companion. He never used her for sex purposes, but he did talk to her. Lars treats the doll as if she was a real person, and it forces the rest of the town to do the same.
This movie teaches an interesting lesson in acceptance. Everyone is different, but everyone shares the need to be accepted. God wants us to accept each other. His plan for us was that we would love each other and be kind towards one another. In this movie, Lars is the social outcast. He is not accepted by others that quickly, but everyone learns how to deal with him. The town becomes really obsessed with helping Lars with his problem. They even start accepting Bianca, the doll, as a real person. We should always be accepting of each other no matter who they are or what they are going through.

Shiva Garshasbi

02-09-10

UNST Wall-E

Lars and the Real Girl Review

This week we were assigned to watch the movie “Lars and the Real Girl”. This movie was directed by Craig Gillespie, and written by Nancy Oliver. The story is about this very lonely, shy, and awkward guy named Lars Lindstrom who lives in a room behind his brother’s garage. His brother along with his sister-in-law, are concerned about him finding the right woman. Eventually Lars announces that he has indeed found a girl over the internet. To everyone’s shock and surprise, it turns out to be a lifelike doll he ordered from an adult website.

Thinking his brother is nuts, Gus convinces Lars to go to a psychologist. The psychologist then suggests that they treat the doll, named Bianca, like a real person. As time goes on Lars introduces “Bianca” to everyone in the town. And they all treat Bianca as if she were a real person, knowing about Lars’ mental state. As the people accept Bianca, Lars communicates and interacts with more and more people.

Eventually this leads to Lars meeting a real living girl named Margo, which is where the title of the movie comes from. As Margo and Lars become closer, one day Lars claims that Bianca is sick. Bianca is rushed to the hospital and the news isn’t very good. Eventually she does die, and the entire town shows up to her funeral. And Margo and Lars find solace in each other.

I think since the idea of Bianca being alive was all in Lars’ head, when he became attached to Margo, he did realize to some extent that Bianca was in fact not as real as he believes, and indeed cannot fulfill Lars’ emptiness, and need for a companion who understands him. So in order to be with the real girl that he wanted, he needed to let go of the idea of Bianca.

At first some people might think that this movie is a complete comedy. And in most points it is. But what is different about this movie is, a sex doll is being used not for its intended purpose, but for love and companionship. There are some awkward scenes where the reactions of the different people are just hilarious, but they don’t stay so skeptical. They adapt and change.

This film was so touching. The way that the entire community change and evolved itself in order to accommodate Lars’ emotions was so sweet. Instead of treating him like a crazy person and ignoring him or casting him aside, they played along and treated his doll like a real person in hopes that he truly does find the happiness they think he deserves.

This film definitely shows how people can love, and how God’s love shows through us all. At first people were skeptical, but they loved Lars, and they wanted him to be happy, no matter how he went about gaining his happiness. They accepted him and Bianca, just as God accepts us, no matter how messed up we might be.

Marty's Review

Monique Gramling
UNST
Pastor Sam
2/9/10

Lars and the REal Girl

Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Nancy Oliver, the film Lars and the Real Girl is a pleasant and delightful film about a timid unsocial man who gets involved in a relationship with a sex doll that he has ordered off the internet. In my opinion, this comedy/drama would be considered by many as risque because of its naughty sounding premise. However, i believe that most younger people would understand that the films risque nature actually serves to underscore (the main character) Lars' decency and goodness. Because Lars' intentions with Bianca (the sex doll,) are pure, I would recommend this film to people of all ages. For instance, it was obvious that Lars' had some sort of psychological disorder, when it came down to interacting with people, and everyone noticed it. Yet, when he was with Bianca, the people around him actually treated her like a real person; which ultimately assisted in him coming out of his shell. I also liked the way that both Lars and Bianca were extremely religious. Church and religion were both essential parts of their lives. This movie really showed me the importance of treating everyone with respect, no matter their qualities or characteristics. It seemed as though Lars' affection for Bianca was due to unconditional love, no judgment or criticism, and more often than not, I think we as a society are too quick to judge others because of their "uniqueness" rather than the content of their character. Furthermore, I perceived his family and community as being supportive; coming together, not in hopes of him leaving Bianca, but in hopes for him to get to the point, where he can eventually treat real humans like he did Bianca. This film really reminded me of how Jesus informs us to do unto others, as we would have them do unto us, for if we judge others, we too will be judged by his father.

The Gospel According to WALL-E: Lars and the Real Girl

I've always wanted to see this movie. Now that I got the chance to watch it finally, I really liked it. When I was told to look for how the community responded to Lars and his relationship with Bianca, I thought they would be unreceptive to it. However, even though people looked at him quizzically, they still accepted him to a certain degree. The scene that sticks out in my mind the most is when Lars and Bianca go to the office party and everyone is putting on a smile and making them feel welcome. Even though they sent out a memo before hand, letting everyone know that they needed to put on a smile, they still proved that community can be had, no matter the circumstances.

This movie, though weird at times, is really well made. Ryan Gosling is a phenomenal actor and he played the role of Lars really well. It takes a skilled actor to play a role such as this and he did it very well. The acting in this movie, over all was well done. The roles were cast appropriately and the script was well written. Over all, this was a very interesting, intriguing film to watch. =)

Lars and the Real Girl

Alexander Alonso

WALL-E

2.9.10

Lars and The Real Girl Review

Lars and the real girl was written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie.

In the beginning of the story, the preacher gives us a forshadowing of the movie. He says “..we need never ask, Lord what should I do?, because the Lord has told us what to do. Love one another….Love is God in Action.” The movie starts with a lonely man who lives in his garage. He is very quite and to himself. His mother died when he was young and he was left with his father, whom was sad all the time. All this played a huge role on his life. He was so lonely he ordered a sex doll, not for sexual use, but for a compainion to speak with and love. Her name was Bianca. His siter in law, Karin, was always loving to him, always trying to make his feel at home and doing what ever she could to help him. Her husband, Gus, kind of gave up on Lars at first but eventually accepted him and Bianca. I liked the part in the movie when Karin and Gus went to the church to see if they would understand the situation. Some were hesitant, and others were very supportive, but I like it when the oder gal stated all the weird things that everyone else had on their plates. I was reminded me that we need to stop judgein gpeople, and think about what Jesus would do for us.

Another point I really liked about this mmovie was the community. At first, many thought that Lars was insane. Though he was, the community came together to help him. It also showed the love that Karin and Gus, and the rest of the community, had for Lars. They never left him even when it seemed he was lost in space.

I was really confused at first, but I got the main message…at least I think I do.

Love at all times. Love one another. Love is God at work, making for a new future.

Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl was a comedy, drama film directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Nancy Oliver. It was released in October of 2007 and it starred Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider.
In the film, Lars and the Real Girl it portrayed of a young man who's need for love a affection caused him to conjure up a woman who was not real. It grasped my attention by the suttle remarks and jestures of Lars and the rest of the cast. The humor was not over bearing (as are most films) and the actors portrayed their characters perfectly. Personally a film grasps my attention when the roles being portrayed are realistic, and this is exactly what this film conducted.
Different people may of course interpret the message differently some people may have found the film comical, perhaps a little too comical. The film was intended to humor the audience, however the problem that Lars had was a very difficult and tough situation. some may not view this as a serious condition or see it as problematic.
In this film, it exemplifies the life style of Lars. A young man who is socially awkward, and a recluse. He has no close friends and is extremely shy. Lars is so emotionally distant that he fantasizes a doll to be his only confidant, a girlfriend.
I believe that the message is being sent to show how a past traumatic experience or how a broken child hood could lead to an emotionally distant person. A person with low-self worth, and low confidence, is displayed. He used the doll as a source of comfort and companionship.
This film clearly shows how God is here for all of us, and wants to help all of us. God is ever present and he put family and friends to help us. The will and love of others will help through any crisis and Lars story reminds us to face the turmoils and obstacles of life with the help of our loves ones.

Lars and the Real Girl by: Racho

The Movie "Lars and the Real Girl" was about Lars, played by Ryan Gosling, who fell in love with a sex doll. He didn't use it for what it was made for, he used it to help him. Once in the movie he said that Bianca, the sex doll, said that she was made to help people and that she did. She definitely helped Lars get out of his comfort zone and helped him reconnect with the real world and interact with real people. Margo, played by Kelli Garner, was the girl who finally helped him really break out in the end. She kept trying to get him to come to her and finally in the end he turned to her.

This movie was directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Nancy Oliver. They definitely used a technique that really got my attention. Their idea of a sex doll as the main character in this movie is unique. The sex doll not serving the purpose it was made for made this movie even more interesting. A sex doll is used to help people in such a way, but in this movie, it definitely was used to help someone but in a good way. Bianca, the sex doll, gave Lars a life, brought him back into the community, helped him communicate with people. He was such a lonely guy in the beginning until Bianca came along. This movie shows that loneliness is really sad and not something that everybody enjoys. It brings pain to the lonely, which was shown by Lars having pain shock through his body whenever someone touched him. The difference of not being lonely compared to being lonely is such a sudden change that it is painful. Ryan Gosling's character shows that through his pain of wanting to be with company.

In the movie, family is pretty much everything. We can see that without family, Lars might not have made it through to the point where he is able to take the change of loneliness. His brother Gus, helped him as well. In the beginning he may have been resistant to helping his ill brother but in the end, with his help, Lars made it through. He was able to release the doll and live a real life and find his real girl.

I think that this movie shows us how important family is and with even one family member not in line, the whole community cannot be whole. The community served as a family who took Lars and his girlfriend, Bianca, in so that he can feel the love of community and family to finally make him see that the real world is just as accepting as his fantasy of a sex doll being his girlfriend. His disorder helped him realize that he wasn't alone in the world. God doesn't want us to be alone as well. So he does everything he can to bring us to him like Margo who wouldn't stop trying to get Lars to break out into the community.

Rachel Cho

Pastor Sam Leonor

UNST: Gospel Wall-E

Lars And The Real Girl Review

Lars And The Real Girl was written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie. The film was released by MGM in 2007.
This movie was a definite heart-wrencher. Interesting devices used in this film were no big name actors, having a anatomically correct sex doll, and though the sex doll was in it, they never pushed anything raunchy or perverse other than a few very mild jokes.
The audience for this film is synonymous to the rating. People under the age of at least thirteen would probably be quite confused by the film.
The lifestyles of this film are very peculiar. There's a socially inept, shy, lonely Lars who feels a burning sensation when he engages in physical contact with others. It's all pyschological but it still is worrisome. So he ends up ordering a sex doll, though not for sex but for a relationship, and being a good Christian, he sleeps in a different room from the doll. It's really sad and sweet at the same time, in a weird sort of way.
The purpose of this film was to show that tolerance is a key factor in living with people who are different. His brother tries to tell him that the doll isn't real. But it's as if Lars doesn't even hear his brother. And once everyone in town understands about the situation and adapts to it, everything runs smoothly. Even when the doll is "dying" and eventually is "dead," the whole town mourns it because though she wasn't technically real, she became almost as real to them as to Lars.
I didn't really see God in this film other than the God-like attributes the townspeople showed to Lars. They treated him with respect and kindness throughout. And because Bianca was real to Lars, she really became "the Real Girl."
Though strange and very heart-wrenching at times, this film was enjoyable.

Andrew Cortez

Lars and the Real Girl

"Lars and the Real Girl" was an amazing film that taught about human kindness along with humor on the side. It is directed by Craig Gillespie who directed tv commercials for 16 years and written by Nancy Oliver who was the writer of the award-winning tv series "Six feet under". Starring Ryan Gosling, who played Lars Lindstrom, a man whose intensely lonely and barely stand the touch of other human being that kept him from embracing what life has to offer. The result of isolating himself lead him to order a life-size sex doll. Shockingly Lars did not treat her like an anatomically correct sex doll instead he treated the doll as a human being , a partner and a companion. He named her Bianca. What grabbed my attention is that how the people of Lar's community accepted Bianca and treated her with the same courtesy that Lars does. The community involved Bianca in every activities that were out there including as a volunteer at a hospital. This movie was very intriguing that its irresistible for viewers to not enjoy it. While others viewed the film as a strangely romantic movie, most thought of it as a heartfelt film that showed how others executed their human kindness. Like Lars' brother and sister-in-law supported him and so did the whole community show deep and sweet hearted treatment to both Lars and Bianca. The community could have easily rejected Lar's awkward behavior but most of them were more concerned. There are 2 message that "Lars and the Real Girl" was trying to reach upon the viewers. First is acceptance, few people first did not accept what Lars is going through, most of them were trying to talk behind his back but later on they realized how one's acceptance and kindness could benefit others especially Lars. Second is hope. There is a hidden hope in the story. Hope from Lars' family and friends that someday Lars would finally end his delusion and face the real world. His family and the community did not give up on him and kept their hope alive. This film reminded me of how our church can be very judgmental towards others who may not seem too good enough to their eyes, but some people of the church still hold their human kindness to treat others equally and supported them. It is the same how God supports us even when we don't embrace life.

Andriyah Burgos
Pastor Sam
UNST
09 February 2010

Lars and the Real Girl!!!!!!!

Who Is Lars….

The director and writer of “Lars and the Real Girl” are Craig Gillespie and Nancy Oliver. Some creative techniques used to attract my attention in this movie were first off, I would of never thought of making a sex doll a main character or even think that her purpose in a movie would be something not disturbing. So that was for sure one thing I found pretty extraordinary. I loved Ryan Gosling in this movie first off because it was a side of him I didn’t expect. He’s been the sensitive type in “The Notebook” but in this movie his disorder makes him stand out in a way I never thought he could really be as an actor. People might get the same reaction at first like I did, for example he looked like he was fine and once he entered the scene avoiding that girl from his church I started to think he was just scared to confront her. Then as the movie progressed I began to think he was crazy but then put myself in his family’s position and though to myself.. I would do the same thing they were doing, make her feel at home and whatever made him feel better just to have him in my life. As crazy as it might sound about me saying this as family we tend to try and protect and cover our family members mistakes as well as things in their life because no matter what we love them. Points of view, lifestyles, and values I got from this message are that a community can do so much for a person. Just when you think you don’t have people there for you, your family first of all comes through no matter what and the people you thought wouldn’t come through do help in so many ways. This community in particular was the church family; they were so trustworthy and supportive. As much as they didn’t make sense of Lars condition they went along with it cause they cared. Family is the ultimate thing in your life, without them you really wouldn’t be where you are and be who you are. I think this message is being sent to first off show what family and community do for a person in need and struggle and second off show what a person can go through and how something so silly to us is honestly reality of how people can suffer. Loneliness is a sad and powerful thing. God put us in our family for a reason. He knew that we were going to face struggles and that the people we looked up to the most leave us, and in return the only ones there are family. Great film and story line. I really enjoyed it.

Lars and the Real Girl

Imari Palma
UNST 101
Pastor Sam
2/8/10

Review

"Lars and the Real Girl" was directed Craig Gillespie. The main character Lars, played by Ryan Gosling, plays a character who is strange, but likable. He is not "normal" according to standards of society. He prefers isolation, keeping to himself, and has a high regard and care for the people he loves. The reason Lars purchases this sex-doll is not really disclosed in the film, but the way he treats it is very unusual. Never for a second does Lars treat her like a doll. She was real to him, he respected her, took her to the doctor, and made her feel comfortable.

Lars' brother and sister in law are very concerned for his well-being, but go along with Lars' fantasy, following the Psychologist's instructions. I was expecting the people of the small community to shun Lars and gossip about how strange his is, making his situation more sad and desperate. Although, the community did the exact opposite. They welcomes Bianca, the sex doll, with open arms, caring for her, allowing her to attend church, giving her a "job," and treating her like a real person for the well-being of Lars.

The love in this movie unforgettable. One of my favorite scenes on the movie is when Lars becomes angry and goes on a rampage chopping wood and hos sister-in-law comes outside to talk to him. They get into a heated brawl and she lets her feelings show. When Lars tells her that "no one cares," she becomes infuriated and tells him the reality of the situation and that everyone is bending over backwards for Lars because they love him.

The acting in this film was very well done. Every person had their own distinct character that added to the drama, comedy, and intensity of the movie. It is sad to know that there are people who are like Lars, but comforting to know that there are also people that love them and care for them and will never give up on them.

I didn't really see Jesus in any particular character, per say. I did see a community that pulled together to help one person. It's like the parable Jesus told of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to find the one lost one. It isn't quite the same, but everyone else dropped whatever they were doing and did whatever they could to help one person, Lars, showing the character of Christ.

Lars and the Real Girl

The film Lars and the real girl was written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie. This movie is both humorous and touching. As for the genre, it is considered a comedy. This movie utilized humorous situations and a touch that relates to the individual on a personal level. The fact that the protagonist, Lars, has mental issues is intriguing, and interest in the film further expands as one realizes that Lars is strange enough to buy a sex doll for non-sexual intimacy. Individuals, such as me, may have initially viewed the movie as a flop- an outlandish story meant only for absurd laughs; but as the movie progressed, it was clear that it possessed more substance than had been anticipated. The lifestyles and values portrayed in this film are those that are most commonly associated with a small town. Everyone has a strong sense of community and intimacy and is supportive of each other- even if a citizen chooses to parade around a sex doll and consider it real. This message is being sent to demonstrate that people need to be accepting of others regardless of their differences. It is imperative that individuals be tolerant of others beliefs. This movie manifests Jesus’ commandment to love one anther as we would want to be treated and loved.

Michael Aguilar
1-27-2010
UNST –The gospel according to wall-e
Lars and the Real Girl Review

Lars and the Real Girl

Stephanie Lamp
UNST:Wall-E
February, 8th 2010
Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl was released in 2007, directed by Criag Gillespie, and the screen play by Nancy Oliver. This was a very creative film, it could be for kids but they may not catch the underlying meaning this movie has along with it. It would be most enjoyable for adults or teenagers. In the beginning of the movie you’re not really sure how you feel about Lars. You don’t know whether he’s slightly odd or if everyone else just overreacts about him not being a very sociable person. Then you start to see his personality through “Bianca” it’s almost as if he’s living through her. Coincidentally Bianca’s life is almost exactly how Lars’ was. It seemed to me he got to slowly move on from his sadness of his mother and fathers death through her because that was the only way he knew how to express himself. I love how the community doesn’t judge him for his disability but just accepts her and helps them both seem welcome. He gets to see a new side of all the people he lives with through Bianca because before she was around he was too shy or quiet to really talk to his towns people. The way the community was to Lars is how we should act with others, we need to be Christ like and know that only God can judge others, things may seem weird to us but it doesn’t matter what we think, we just need to accept everyone the way God made them.

Lars and the Real Girl Reveiw

Sara Martinez

February 7 , 2010

WALLE

Lars and the Real Girl – Review

This was an interesting movie. It was interesting to see how someone can react to a certain event. It was also interesting to see how they were affected and how the community pulled together to help. This movie was directed by Craig Gillespie and it was written by Nancy Oliver. Lars lived alone and he cringed at the touch of someone. He found comfort in the doll he named Bianca, whom he said was a real person. When he first introduced his brother and sister-in-law to Bianca they were shocked and worried. The whole town began to talk and snicker behind his back. His family took him to see a psychiatrist and she told them that when he didn’t need her anymore she would go away or “die.”

The whole town became aware of this and became sympathetic. Though it was awkward they all tried to make Bianca feel welcome and Lars as well. The whole community pulled together to accept him and help him. This makes me think of our church today. Many times when someone is going through something we just point and laugh or turn away. Instead we should welcome them with open arms and help them work through their problems. We should not criticize, we don’t know what that person my be going through. What they might need is just someone to accept them. If we were in a situation like that we would want to be accepted and helped, not looked at with scorn or ridiculed. I believe this movie can should everyone a good lesson about how to b community.

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants was directed by Alex Kendrick and Co-written by Stephen Kendrick. This movie is a drama that has action is the form of football that makes it both entertaining to watch, but also emotional and didactic. Some people might view this movie as just another cliché- one of many overused football movies. And others still might me turned away by the reality that this is a Christian movie made to target a specific audience. Conversely, however, their does exist a large percentage of individuals that are able to look beyond the limited cinematic effects and relish the essence of the movie- the actual storyline and message it is attempting to convey. This movie portrays a lifestyle built on faith in God. It emphasizes the notion that individuals should not give up, no matter the obstacles. Even in the face of adversity, for example, the coach showed his team that they were capable of more than they ever imagined when he forced his doubtful star player across the entire football field whilst that same player carried a person. This movie come from the point of view that since God never gives up on us, neither should we give up on ourselves. Facing the Giants is being sent to inspire those who have a series of doubts. God give us the power to persevere and thrive- we just have to be willing to trust him and let him guide our lives.

Michael Aguilar
UNST- Gospel According to Wall-E
Facing the Giants
2-3-2010

Shiva Garshasbi

02-02-10

UNST

Movie Review FTG

FACING THE GIANTS

This week we had to watch the movie “Facing the Giants" which was directed by Alex Kendrick, who was also played a character in the film. And what’s a little new about this movie was that, compared to most of the movies we have watched so far, there is no swearing or violence. Although this movie did seem to be a little more on the lower budgeted side of film making, that didn’t stop the message from being so beautifully portrayed.

In this movie, a football coach at a local Christian high school is being troubled with many of the common problems in life. His wife is having difficulty getting pregnant, income wasn’t very sufficient, and not to mention that his job is causing more stress as well because his team can’t win a single game. When all seemed hopeless, Coach Taylor turned to God, when most other people would have given up easily.

This movie partly fell under the category of the typical inspirational sports movies, that involve a horrible team getting to know each other better, gain respect for each other and win more games as an outcome. The only difference here, is that the glory of the win was given to God. Although the acting was definitely second-rate, the message was still overly obvious.

Just as the coach gave everything over to God, things started turning out for the better. How can you miss the message there? This movie obviously portrays the glory of God’s mercy for those that give their lives completely over to Him. And this is totally true. Even though we like to be in control of our lives all the time, sometimes there is only so much one person can do. And when it gets to that point, we need to trust in God and give the rest over to Hi. When God is on your side, there is no giant too great to overtake God’s power. With God’s help, we can face all the giants in our lives.

Facing the Giants Review

This strong yet stirring film was debuted in the September of 2006. The film was not a widely popularized or presented. It was directed, written, and stared in by Alex Kendrick. Co writer was Stephen Kendrick. It featured Shannan Fields and Tracy Goode.
This film is truly different and unique from the rest. As a low-budget film it does not exactly encompass the best of sets or the top actors in Hollywood, it still carries the atmosphere and attitude of an award winning message. This film is not about the upscale and lavish accessories, it holds the ideals that the director, Kendrick, was determined to show his audience the uplifting message.
This film was direct, honest, marvelously presented. The message was straight and simple, "with God, all things are possible." It clearly depicted the dark and clouded road that one will upon if you do not put your faith in him.
In the film it displayed a man who goes through many obstacles, and trials. This man goes through many challenges.The film very clearly states the message that if you go through life alone, if you do not accept and bring God into your life, then life is going to be bittersweet and very hard and its going to be struggle.
This film portrays how life can be seem to be complicated and hard struggle because we are reluctant to bring God into our lives. We often do not incorporate God into our daily lives and if we accepted him life would be alot easier.

Facing the giants

Facing the Giants is an American Christian movie that inspired viewers. Alex Kendrick, the main cast who also wrote and directed the movie truly presented a rare Christian faith. Making the movie was unbelievable. Despite of its low budget, volunteers put together a good movie funded by Christians.It was made on a $100,000 budget by a Baptist church in Georgia. There were good lessons in this film that everyone should acknowledge such as the importance of leadership and respect, determination to not quit, honoring God in everything that people do and the power of prayer. I thought the film was very appealing and powerful, not only it brought a positive thing about Christian faith but also it tells the story about how underdogs came to victory. I liked how the movie created a huge impact towards the players lives in a positive way that kept heir faith growing. Also that having a spiritual belief for the hardships that they faced empowered their responsibilities. For example, when "Grant Taylor" the coach had a huge spiritual talk with the football players, they soon realized that they should give 100% on everything they do and leave the rest to the Lord. Viewers thought of this movie as an encouragement to others to not be on neutral ground but instead to keep their faith hot and alive on Jesus. The film just hit a point and made an example for what people should do. People should have faith and believed that by having faith in God solved all the problems. There was this one scene in the film where the coach, "Grant Taylor" pushes one of his players who was blindfolded to not quit on doing a death crawl and ended up crossing the other end of the field. The player signified us who are blindfolded and being pushed by God to not quit on him and instead to keep believing on him even though we were suffering from all our burdens.

-Andriyah Burgos

Facing the Giants Review by Chris Kaatz

This was an amazing movie. It was written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick and directed by Alex Kendrick. This movie is fit for all audiences. There is zero violence and no cursing. Even if you are not a Christian, you can still find a good message in this movie. The movie is about a high school coach that isn’t doing well. He turns to God and everything turns around. This message is really amazing. It really got me thinking about what God says in the Bible and how if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Now, I know that there are no moving mountains and that it was just a figure of speech, but God IS always with us. He is OBSESSED with us and will NEVER LEAVE us NO MATTER WHAT. One of my favorite lines in the movie comes when one of the players asks his dad why God made him so small. His dad tells him it is so that God can show how mighty He is to the boy every day. This movie is an excellent example of this because as the coach and team turn to God, their losing streak turns around. Sometimes, we don’t feel like God cares about the little things that happen in our life, but He is always with us. As weird as it may seem, God is all powerful and yet at the same time He takes the time to walk with each one of us individually. How awesome is that? God spends time with each and every one of us. He doesn’t have to, but He wants to because He loves us so much!

Facing the Giants Review

Facing the Giants was a Christian football film written, directed by, and starring Alex Kendrick. The film was released by Sherwood Pictures in 2007.
I really enjoyed this film. Some interesting tactics were how God was a huge part of Grant's life and the school in general. You don't usually see that in football movies. Also, though it was predictable at times, it was heartwarming and inspirational.
This film was aimed at Christians of all ages, obviously. I'm not sure how non-Christians would take this movie.
The lifestyles in this film were very sad to start out, but turned uplifting. I mean, the guy is struggling massively as a football coach, facing the threat of being fired, his car isn't working, and he finds out that he's the reason he and his wife can't start a family.
The purpose of this film was to show that God can do ANYTHING! I've always known that but Facing the Giants showed me again and again. I feel more alive spiritually after seeing this movie, which was most likely another purpose.
Though not to this extreme, his story reminds me of Job. especially how he never even once curses God even though it seems like everything is caving in on him, though his friends and wife don't tempt him to forsake God, thank goodness. But just like Job, he is rewarded graciously for sticking with God even though it was beyond tough.
This movie was good clean Christian fun.

Andrew Cortez

Facing the Giants

Imari Palma
UNST 101
Pastor Sam
2/2/10

Review

"Facing the Giants" was directed by Alex Kendrick, who was also casted in the film. This film did not get very high ratings, it had mediocre to poor cinematography, average acting, and a low budget set. This Christian film done by a church group, although not the typical "Hollywood" movie, inspired many across the nation. "Many sports movies are formulaic and predictable, meant to be shots of adrenaline for rousing moviegoers, bringing them to their feet, and sending them out of the theater inspired and uplifted. Occasionally, a sports movie rises above the formula, engaging the intellect with superb characterization and acting" (http://www.christianitytoday.com). "Facing the Giants," however inspired in a different way. The story was of a high school football team trying to compete with teams out of their league. Their coach tried hard to inspire them though his own life was spiraling down.

The reason why I think this film was as successful as it was is because it is very realistic and relatable. There is nothing perfect in this film, just like life. Also, religion is brought into this film on a different level. This film uses Jesus as an active character, carrying the players, people, and coach through difficult times.

My favorite part of the movie was when one of the football players carried another team member all the way across the field on his back, crawling. The coach pushed and yelled and told him to never give up. I made a connection between the coach and God because in times of desperation and exhaustion, He is there to tell us to keep going and never give up.

The evil aspect are the Giants, in the end they were defeated, like the story of Gideon. You can do anything through Christ who straightens you.

The Gospel According to WALL-E: Facing the Giants

As cute as this movie is, I really didn't like it. Sure, it has a good message about believing in God, but realistically, I just don't see that in my life. No matter how many times I've prayed and wanted something, it just seems like they don't get answered, either the way I want, or in a timely manner. One scene that sticks out particularly in my mind is, towards the end, when the scrawny little kicker has to kick a monster field goal against the wind. He prays and, the flags, all of a sudden, start blowing in a different direction, now helping him kick the field goal, win the game, and live happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, I love happy endings and warm fuzzies as much as the next girl, but I just don't see the spiritual connection in my life. I'd even go so far as to say that it makes me a little angry. Why is it that when I'm up in the batters box during a softball game, or in the pitcher's circle, and I pray to God to help me hit a home run or strike out the batter that I'm facing, and, nine times out of ten, my prayer won't be answered.

I'm not trying to say that God doesn't answer prayers, but, to me, it's something that's taken care of over time, not immediately. Maybe I'm reading too much into the story and not accepting it for what it is, and maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, but I can't help but be a little irritated that none of these things happen to me. This concept is something that, believe me, I struggle with daily, and I'm trying to have more faith and believe that God has a plan for my life and that, whenever I need Him, He'll be there. I just have yet to see it.

Brenda Schaffner

Sam Leonor

UNST 101-A

3 February 2010

Facing The Giants

Monique Gramling
UNST The Gospel According to WALL-E
ID#924889
2/2/10

Facing The Giants

Directed by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the amazing family drama, Facing The Giants is a film that follows the issues and struggles of high school football coach Grant Taylor. Coach Taylor wrestles with his teams consistent streak of losing, which he believes will ultimately lead to him losing his job. While things in Taylor's life seem to be falling apart, he still manages to put all of his troubles and worries in the hands of the lord. With a strong faith based storyline, this film will most likely relate to Christians. In the film, not only did Taylor incorporate his beliefs into his family life, but in his place of work as well. Furthermore, since this film contains no profanity, intense violence, or sexual references, I think people of all age groups will notice the positive impact this movie spreads on to others. It contains lessons that we can all learn from trusting in God. In addition, this film teaches us that we should never feel like we are in this world alone. God is continuously with us; and will never leave us. No matter how big the "giant," or issue in our lives, God will always come through; making a way when we think there is no way.

Facing the Giants

Alexander Alonso
WALL-E
Facing the giants review
2 February 2010

Facing the Giants

Wow! Two thumbs way up! :) This film may not have been made in Hollywood with great actors or technology, but I haven’t seen a Hollywood video with this great of a message in a great long time. The story, written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, also directed by Alex, was a story of inspiration! It’s about a high school football team who hasn’t won one game for six years with the same coach. But when the coach finds Jesus, not only does his team turn around, but the whole school as well. He learns that with God all things are possible. And I say amen to that. The reason I liked this movie, was because it made me realize that I have been loosing my trust in God. I realized that, nothing is impossible, and that God works all things together for good. What I enjoyed most about the movie was watching coach Taylor having all these problems. He thinks he’s never going To have children, the house sticks, the car breaks down, his team cant win, his friend appears to be going against him, he even believes he’s on the brink of being fired! But no, the bible tells us that God takes care of the birds and dresses the Lilies, so why would He not take care of us? All Taylor had to do was believe and trust in what God said was true. Little by little he started seeing God at work. He realized blessing after blessing. Why? Because he believed, trusted, didn’t give up, praised God, Blessed others and was faithful, and in return, God gave back.

We might all think, “This is a movie, that kind of stuff cant happen!” …YOU’RE WRONG! God CAN and DOES do these kind of things! Put your faith in Him! WHAT IS IMMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD? NOTHING!

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants…

Facing the Giants was directed by Alex Kendrick, and written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This movie wasn’t to professional do to that regular people filmed it so the acting wasn’t so great but the overall message of the movie in its self was great. I really think this message can’t get any clearer. When things go wrong in life pray and ask god about it. He will clear the way for better things for you or maybe not even let something happen because he knows what’s best for you. What I think people should really get from this movie is prayer is the greatest thing you could ever do, some may think it can’t do anything for you, or in no way will he help you out but I’m telling you different. You put something in god’s hands and he will help you out in every way. Why do you think parents always put their kids in god’s hands? If they have no control of what can happen they leave it to him to lead them in the right direction. Main things represented in the film were teamwork, strong morals, never giving up and putting god at the front of anything to get through. Putting your faith in god can lead you to a whole life change. This message was being sent to remind people that when times go rough in life, you should never forget about god and what he could do for you and your family. Prayer is always an option and its something people should take more seriously. This message clearly states that what ever you go through in life if you put it in god’s hands he will make there be a way to you solving something, or even creating a miracle. God is the key to getting through things and with out him you wouldn’t know where to turn when things get rough. Just pray to him and put it in his hands and I guarantee he will put everything in place for you.

Facing The Giants

Facing the Giants was directed by Alex Kendrick. This movie was about a football coach of a christian high school team. They are a pretty bad team, and the coach doesn't know how to win with them. As well as this the coach is having trouble at home with his wife not being able to get pregnant. Through and through, He goes through alot of troubles and seems lost, until he finally reaches out to God, who has been with him this whole time, and realized that his whole life, football, and his wife, all needed to be directed by God. Once this concept is grasped, things turn around for his football team, and even his wife gets pregnant!

I really like this movie, it moved me during a time when i had forgotten about God myself. Although it was low budget, and the acting was not very good, you get the message and honestly all the other negative stuff doesn't matter. I think when christian people watch it, they will also see how moving it is to see someone's life change so dramatically when they turn their eyes back on Jesus. Even when non-Christians watch it, they may chuckle about how bad the acting was, but ultimately i hope they will see the meaning behind it.

This really made me see God, because whenever we things are good we seem to forget him and think we are the cause for all the good thats been happening to us, but in reality it just shows that when God is taken out of our sight, we begin to sink just like peter did. when we keep our eyes on christ, there are no giants that we can't face!

Facing the Giants~

Rachel Cho

Gospel according: Wall-E

Pastor Sam

Facing the Giants

This movie was very inspirational to me. Coach Taylor was definitely amazing in the movie, he never gave up. He kept trying to make things better on his own. But later in the movie he finally decided to give everything to God and after that, his life became much better. This movie, to me, was very interesting. Its message was very strong even though the movie itself wasn't high class. I think that the message being sent out makes the bad movie quality seem to just disappear since as viewers we should be more concerned about the message than the quality of the movie.

The director of this movie was Alex Kendrick. The writers were Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick. I think the writers of the script made a very well made story and put in a strong message for the audience. Its interesting though how a movie so poorly made, well not poorly made, with poor quality, has made it into Hollywood.

This movie showed me that with God in your life anything is possible. God can do great things in our life but we never even try giving up ourselves to God. We are so sucked in by the world that God sometimes never even comes to mind. We think like "aww man, my life sucks," but all we really need to do is give ourselves to God and He will take care of us.

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants was released in 2006 as an American Christian drama film. This movie was directed by Alex Kendrick. Alex Kendrick is also in this movie and plays the role of the head football coach Grant Taylor. Facing the Giants is a movie about a struggling football team that is ran by a life-struggling coach. Coach Taylor goes through the hardships of a record of several failing seasons, being replaced as coach, house and car are breaking apart, financial issues, and later on he finds out he is the reason why he cannot have kids with his wife. At that period of time in Grant's life, he had no sight of God. The faith that Grant later on had in God is what helped him through his hard times as a coach and husband.From there on out everything took care of itself in time. Grant than, ended up losing only one game and than going on to win the state championship. God helped Grant through these times as an individual, and than his prayer was answered and later on he had two children with his wife. I really enjoyed this movie as a whole. It caught my attention because it involved football and it is considerably an "under dog" story.But not only that, it also involved a religion aspect that opens your eyes to the wonders that God can do. God is everywhere and in everyone, regardless of who you are or whats going on. As long as there is hope and faith, God will be there for you through hardships of your lifetime.

Facing the Giants

Stephanie Lamp
UNST Wall-E
February 1st 2010
Facing the Giants


Facing the Giants was directed by Alex Kendrick, and written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This is such an awesome movie; it definitely has that “feel good” mentality about it. It starts off like the typical football story showing a struggling team that just isn’t going to make the cut playing football, but it has a better element to it. Most of the “feel good” football or any sport related movie for that matter never gives God credit. It shows that with hard work and responsibility you can succeed and do well, and that’s true but add God to the equation and it makes it that much more powerful! The fist few times I watched this movie I couldn’t get past the not so top of the notch acting abilities and didn’t really get the message. This time around I got the chance to look past the little things and be able to enjoy such a great movie. I’m glad that they made it big and were able to make a real Hollywood movie, most little Christian films don’t. It just goes to show that God will never let you down. At times it may seem like giving up is the easiest way to go, but if you turn to God and give him those fears and doubts he can take them all away from you. “What is impossible with God?”

Facing the Giants Review

Sara Martinez

January 30, 2010

WALLE

Facing The Giants – Review

This is one of the most inspirational movies that I have watched. It does not take a huge company to produce a movie that will touch many people. This movie was made by a small church in the south. It was directed by Alex Kendrick and the writers were Alex and Stephen Kendrick. While this movie may not be top of the line professional movie, it had a very good message. I think that this reached so many people because it was simple and many people could relate to it. We all face trials and tribulations. Coach Taylor faced many obstacles in his life. He was not making a lot of money, his job was in jeopardy, his home and car were falling apart, and to make matters worse his wife and he could not have children. Most people would have given up, and never tried to look at the positive side of things. Coach Taylor was not putting all his trust in God, and was trying to take things into his own hands. Once he trusted and gave everything completely to God, everything seemed to turn for the better. I have experienced this in my very own life. I find that, when I do not include God into my daily life everything seems to be going wrong. But as soon as I start spending time with him, and letting him work in my life everything starts to get better. It is always hard as humans to give up our future, our life, and everything else into Gods hands. We like to be in control, and at times when we give it all to him we feel out of control. But we need to remember that with him everything is possible. There is not a single thing that we cannot do if we trust in him, and give ourselves and everything we do to him.

Amazing Grace Review

Shiva Garshasbi

01-25-10

UNST Gospel According to Wall-E

Amazing Grace Review

So, this week we were given an assignment to watch Michael Apted’s movie, “Amazing Grace”. This movie is just as its title indicates: amazing. Michael Apted also directed one of my favorites movies: “Enough” with Jennifer Lopez, and to my extreme, super excitement, he is also directing the upcoming film: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. I believe one reason as to why I exceptionally enjoy this movie is because it takes place in the 18^th century. I guess I have a soft spot for movies that take place in older times.

This movie is about a man named William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd) who is greatly opposed to the slave trade in England and fights for most of his life to abolish it, even though it causes his heart great stress which makes him sick. Wilberforce’s mentor, John Newton, was once a slave ship captain who repented for his sins and turned into a priest. The title of the movie comes from the name of the song John Newton had composed in reminiscence of the mistakes he had made in his life while a captain of a slave ship.

This movie is based on a biography, but does not fall solely under this category. In order to make the movie more interesting, the story of Wilberforce’s romance is highlighted. Throughout the movie, his will to fight for the abolition of slavery does wane from time to time. But he finds confidence in his soul mate Barbara Spoone, who he constantly confides in and shares the story of his constant struggle. This relationship gives the movie the ability to also fall under the category of romance.

In the beginning of the movie, there is a character named Olaudah Equiano, who is a freed slave who published his life story into a book. He gives his gruesome accounts to Willberforce, and also provides him with a reason to continue his fight. The horrid statistics and facts in this movie are extremely difficult to imagine. How could people treat another human being in such a way? What gave anyone the right to treat other beings worse than animals? It astonishes me that there was a point in time when human lives were treated as worthless objects. Even more so the fact that segregation between black and white people was abolished nearly 50 years ago. And even so, there are still, to this day, places in the South, where high school student just as old as we are, are still accustomed to have segregated proms, banquets, and dances.

Everyday, we are given a choice to do what’s right. And because we live in such a free country we can. So what’s stopping us? Unlike those who lived in England, under a monarchy, if you ever crossed a line and spoke your mind a little too freely, it would’ve been considered treason which would’ve been a violently punishable crime. God gave us a free will to use it to do what’s right and stand up for what we believe in. Just like William Wilberforce in this movie, we shouldn’t back down from our beliefs despite failure. Wilberforce was constantly shot down in parliament, and his bills were constantly rejected. It took him over 5 years to finally get his bill passed and to abolish slavery in England.

Every day, we are given tasks that test our resilience as Christians. This movie was definitely an inspiration and a lesson for us all. It just goes to show that, God doesn’t test us with anything we can’t handle. It might be a struggle at first, but the outcome is worth everything.

Marty's Amazing Grace Review

"You know the song, now be part of the story"

'The incredible true story of one man's fight to change the world" one of the taglines that best described Amazing Grace. It was beautifully directed by Michael Apted who gained 17 wins and 11 nominations and written by Steven Knight, together they created an inspiring film that touched viewers' hearts. I thought the movie was hard to follow but it was definitely worth watching it. The story began 15 years later when William Wilberforce met his future wife and the flashback started from there. This film captured the viewers to think beyond what they could about the hardships,politics, and religion without even getting confused with the whole view of slavery. The creators made this movie as an inspiring historical drama that was up to date for the viewers' eyes. The cinematography and costumes were excellent as well. Wilberforce a rising political star who was not afraid to show his faith and integrity in public stood up to abolish slavery. I admired him for getting out of his comfort zone and tried his best to end slavery. According to many viewers they rated the film as a movie that exercised faith and hardships. Not only it covered about saving slavery but it also touched on religious prospective. God honored diligence, like Wilberforce who never gave up and God saw it. Just like Moses who did not gave up through out his hardships in Egypt. God found them and honored their years of struggles.

-Andriyah Burgos

Amazing Grace

Alexander Alonso

Wall-E

Amazing Grace Review

1.26.10

Amazing Grace

This film was very inspirational, meaningful, and makes you question what one supports. Amazing Grace, directed by Michael Apted, who also directed “The World is Not Enough,” and written by Steven Knight, who was an Academy Award nominee, had many different ways of getting attention. One, for me at least was the wigs! LOL! I want one!... Sorry, as I was saying! They used history, fact, threw in some romance, and the title itself made me want to see it. I didn’t know why the song was named amazing grace, I was blind but now I see. =) I liked this film because it took place back in the 18^th century, there is something from that time era that inspires me, and it lifts me up. I feel, when I see the fashion and manner of speaking, that anything can become a reality. Just like in the movie, William Wilberforce fought for something that seemed impossible to win, the abolition movement. Although many didn’t support him, he still fought for what was right, and at the end he came out winning. He is a true hero and inspiration to never stop fighting for what we believe! Before closing I want to share my favorite quote of the movie:

“I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior”

- John Newton

Don’t ever forget this…

-Alonso, Alexander

The Gospel According to WALL-E: Amazing Grace

I must say . . . I enjoyed this movie MUCH better than District 9. Though it seemed long and drawn out at times, I still felt that it was an effective movie. Originally, I thought that it was about the guy who wrote Amazing Grace. That was just one of the many themes/story lines that made up this film. The main story was about William Wilberforce's ongoing battle in the English Parliament to get the slave trade abolished and to make a better world for everyone. He faced many obstacles in order to reach his goal. He was in the vast minority when it came to his views of slavery. It took him 5+ years, lots of traveling, signature getting, and speaking to try and persuade people to believe as he did.

The part of the movie that really hit home for me was when he was taking the tour of the slave boat and was shown exactly what goes on behind the scenes of a slave ship. It never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be toward one another. I had known the atrocities of slavery, but never had I really understood it until now, for some reason.

My favorite part of the movie was when the William's old pastor, who was a former slave ship captain and author of the hymn, "Amazing Grace", "recounted his sins," and said, "I once was blind, but now I see. I wrote that, didn't I?"

Amazing Grace - Review

Sara Martinez

January 25, 2010

WALLE

Amazing Grace – Movie Review

Amazing Grace, we have all heard the song. Many people know the story about the man who experienced God’s loving grace when he was a slave trader and wrote this song. But many people do not know much about the man who helped stop slavery in England. The people responsible for helping turn this story into a movie was the Director, Michael Apted and the Writer Steven Knight. They used biography, drama, history and Romance to draw people into this story. I have always like the story behind the song Amazing Grace, and when I saw this movie I immediately liked it because it gave more background to the fight against slave trade. I liked this movie because of the following reasons. First I liked it because it shows and encourages you to keep fighting and working towards what you believe in. William continued to move towards and work for the abolishment of the transatlantic slave trade. Even when no one in parliament believed in him and his chances looked very slim. I also like this movie because of the friendships. William had a group of coworkers and friends who supported him, and even though they all had their quirqs they worked together to get the job done. These two points remind me of Jesus. He kept working for us even when he didn’t have to and people did not believe him. And with his disciples help, even though they had their quirqs, they were able to do a lot. I find this movie very inspirational and a good opportunity to also learn a little more about things from the past.

Amazong Grace

Amazing Grace is a film directed by Michael Apted and written by Steven Knight. This movie could best be described as a historical drama that employs the use of skillful articulation and reason. Individual with prejudices would probably condone this film and not think much of it. The proponents of equality, however, would champion it as a masterpiece in all things supporting their cause. It is evident that this movie incites the emotions and passion that is the topic of equality, equal rights etc. The values portrayed in this film are ones of compassion for those individuals less fortunate. The lifestyles seen in the film are ones of excess and indifference; it takes one individual to arise the consciousness of the larger populace. This message is being sent to remind individuals of the struggles that were made for equality so many years ago. It is evident that the message of the protagonist still looms large in the current society. By taking heed and understanding the merits presented in Amazing Grace, Society can learn and be better towards one another. God is portrayed in this movie as the source of devotion and direction. He was the moral compass that guided the individuals involved in the debate for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade.

Michael Aguilar
1-27-2010
UNST- The Gospel According to Wall-E
Amazing Grace Review

Amazing Grace Review

Amazing Grace was written by Steven Knight and directed by Michael Apted. It was released in 2006 by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
What drew me in with this film was that it was how perseverance abolished slavery. It's also really interesting because of the post-revolutionary war time period.
The film was aimed for pretty much any audience in that it wasn't violent and had no coarse language, but it had a moral message to it as well.
Some lifestyles and values portrayed in this film were that slavery was just business, that it would be uneconomical to abolish it. On the other side of the spectrum, William Wilberforce was fighting and persevering to abolish slavery once and for all. It was really crazy to see how even the British were very for slavery.
The purpose of this film was to show the evils of slavery and that perseverance can do amazing things. It was unbelievable to watch how he spent almost his whole life fighting for the slaves' freedom.
I saw God in William Wilberforce because he practically devoted his life to freeing the slaves. He also didn't go all high and mighty about it. He just wouldn't stop until he had abolished it. He was hardcore.
This was a good movie. I'd recommend watching it.

Andrew Cortez

Lars and the Real Girl

The film Lars and the Real Girl was written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie. This movie is both humorous and touching. As for the genre, it is considered a comedy. This movie utilized humorous situations and a touch that relates to the individual on a personal level. The fact that the protagonist, Lars, has mental issues is intriguing, and interest in the film further expands as one realizes that Lars is strange enough to buy a sex doll for non-sexual intimacy. Individuals, such as me, may have initially viewed the movie as a flop- an outlandish story meant only for absurd laughs; but as the movie progressed, it was clear that it possessed more substance than had been anticipated. The lifestyles and values portrayed in this film are those that are most commonly associated with a small town. Everyone has a strong sense of community and intimacy and is supportive of each other- even if a citizen chooses to parade around a sex doll and consider it real. This message is being sent to demonstrate that people need to be accepting of others regardless of their differences. It is imperative that individuals be tolerant of others beliefs. This movie manifests Jesus’ commandment to love one anther as we would javascript:void(0)want to be treated and loved.

Michael Aguilar
1-27-2010
UNST –The gospel according to wall-e
Lars and the Real Girl Review

Amazing Grace

Imari Palma
UNST 101
1/26/10

Review

"Amazing Grace" is a historical film based on the story of William Wilberforce and his journey, struggle, and victory to abolish the slave trade in Great Britain. This movie was produced by Jeanney Kim and Mark Cooper. The cast did a wonderful job portraying what it would have been like during that time and one could feel the passion of each character, especially the main one, of course. Wilberforce is a member of the Parliment, but also a passion for religion. He has many enemies, but also a lot of supporters. It was inspiring to see Newton and even the prime minister supporting his efforts. One of my favorite quotes of the movie was when the prime minister says, "As the prime minister, I urge you caution," Wilberforce says, "And as my friend?" prime minister says, " To hell with caution." That scene put a lot of things he perspective. The prime minister knew that Wilberforce would be stepping on a lot of feet and would have an upward battle and he even might be way in over his head, yet he knew what needed to be done and was glad that Wilberforce was one man willing to take up that battle that a lot were afraid to.

It's difficult for us, in the 21st century, living in the United States to understand how people could be so cruel to other human beings. Believe it or not, if we were living back in that time in that place, the majority of us wouldn't see slavery as a bad thing. Thanks to people like Wilberforce, people have gained freedom, rights, and the chance to live like human beings and not animals.

Overall this movie was most definitely inspiring, touching, spiritual, and convicted. It is important to see how history was made and how difficult the struggle was. There are many religious correlations that can be made in this film; the film within itself is a spiritual one. Without the hand of God working in this situation, it would not have been possible.

Jesus Christ can also be correlated to Wilberforce, how one man, with many enemies, few friends, and a lot of people to save did it and made history, like Jesus has.

I Once Was Lost.... by Chris Kaatz

Amazing Grace is was directed by Michael Apted, written by Steven Knight and was released in 2007. This movie is appropriate for all audiences. This story is about a man named William Wilberforce. He is a politician and has a seat in the House. In the movie, he debates whether or not to go into ministry or to fight to end slavery. He realizes that he can do both by fighting to abolish slavery. While he works on fighting it, he becomes incredibly ill and is on medicine in order to dumb the pain. After a 20 year struggle, against all odds, he is finally able to get the House to abolish slavery.
This movie portrays the message that all men are created equal. That we should stop at nothing in order to be fair to our common man. It is also a movie of friendship and determination that against all odds, as long as you have friends and are determined you can do anything. Christians can also get a strong message to this. Everyday we face opposition to our faith. We always hit brick walls and yet we know that as long as we have God with us, we can do anything. As Christians, we need to remember that everyone is equal because it is not our place to judge others. Because of this, we need to be able to understand each other and be willing to stand up for each other. To help others because that is what God instructed us to do.

Monique Gramling
ID#924889
UNST The Gospel According to Wall-E
26, January, 2010

Amazing Grace

Written by Steven Knight, Amazing Grace tells the story of an heroic man who after a two decade struggle ended the slave trade in Great Britain. By balancing faith and filmmaking in a historical drama, Christians doing extraordinary things for their beliefs are depicted. Although in my opinion, some parts were a little "dry" overall the film avoided falling into a dull rut. It helped that chunks of the story were told from flashback experiences to add urgency and weight to the plot. The movie acquired many inspirational themes, and therefore should be encouraged to any and everyone. This film is unique in its own way because it celebrates and honors true Christian heroes which we rarely see depicted in film anymore. I think people of all age groups could agree that the main character William gave off most of the inspiration in the film. He not only was a Christian trying to do the will of the lord, but also an abolitionists fighting for the rights of all men. Watching this film really reminded me of the difficulties, and complexities that come with faith. William was persecuted in a way by the British Parliament for what he believed in; but never the less kept his mind on God. In a spiritual sense, I portrayed William as being like one of Jesus's disciples. Throughout most of the film, he seemed to stand up for he believed in while sacrificing much for the greater good.

"AMAZING GRACE, how SWEET the sound" by: Racho

Rachel Cho

UNST: Gospel Wall-E

Pastor Sam

Amazing Grace

The movie "Amazing Grace" really is an amazing movie. It gives and takes in a way that you could only imagine. It gives because it gives viewers encouragement and want for determination, and also takes because the movie takes away feelings of carelessness about what's going on in the world or what has happened already.

This movie was directed by Michael Apted, and was written by Steven Knight. Two wonderful producers. They made the movie in such a way that it makes viewers feel the pain and sorrow that William felt in the movie. His pain was that there was still slave trade going on and sorrow for how nothing was done about it. This movie uses various techniques to make viewers more interested in it. The language style they use, their accent brings out everything they say. Not only is it just words but the words are emphasized on the perfect parts of the sentence and makes it clear to the audience what the point is and what they are trying to get across to the viewers.

I really liked how William never gave up and even though everybody was kind of opposed to his opposition to slavery, he still kept on trying to get people to understand and feel what he felt.

This movie reminds me a lot about Jesus and his stay here on Earth long ago. He tried to get everyone to listen to him, he tried to preach to them, and he tried to help them, but only his disciples would listen. The rest of the crowd would do nothing and really only hated on him especially the king because there was another ruler trying to out-throne him. Jesus never gave up and all the way until he was crucified never stopped trying to get everyone to listen to him. He always loved them even though they hated him. Even on the cross he prayed to God to forgive them.

It was an inspiring movie and the title of the movie really does support what was going on in the movie. It IS an amazing movie and Grace IS AMAZING.

Amazing Grace...

“Once was blind but now I see”…

The director of Amazing Grace was Michael Apted. It was written by Steven Knight.The creative techniques I always get from movies like this is the wardrobe and the type of dialogue they use. Another thing I really found interesting was how it was based behind a common song. A song everyone knows got turned into a fight for justice. I got from this movie determination and never to give up on a goal you want to achieve. I think the movie is pretty straight forward in what its showing and I think everyone else who watches this will get the same idea I did. William has a strong belief in what he believes is right and he will stop at nothing to fight for this to change. He is centered in god and knows that with his help he can get through anything. When it comes to knowing his morals, William has got that down. This message sent to show people just how strict the slave trade was back then. It was something so normal and right for the upper class. It really sends out a cry for help, it made me think about what if our country still was like this? Who would stand up and change this situation. It takes someone strong to do something like changing a law and convincing others that what you are stating is the right way. This story reminded me of Jonah. God told him to go out and spread the word and to basically change peoples minds. The other thing this story reminded me of was Jesus. The only man I know would go out to the world and keep trying and trying to preach the word to everyone about god is him. He never gave up and did everything he could to show everyone around him he was different and a man of god. William did that very thing in this movie. He showed everyone he was a man of god. In the end William was recognized and honored for the great man he was. It wasn’t really a movie I would choose to see and I expected something different but, I guess if you dig really deep into the movie it has a good message behind it.

Amazing Grace

Stephanie Lamp
UNST: wall-e
January 25th 2010
Amazing Grace


Amazing Grace was directed by Michael Apted and written by Steven Knight. It was released February 23rd 2007. This movie was a feel good movie; it’s hard to see all the drama and stupid reasons around the abolition movement they gave Wilberforce but he never gave up. Even though he had few people behind him it never really seemed to bother him. Even with him being as sick as he was at times he still pushed forward and kept researching ways to get around their rules. This is more of an adult film, I don’t think kids would really be able to relate to the dialogue of the film. It’s heart warming how he as a white man cares so much to help get these slaves out of slavery. The slaves were treated terribly on the ships being transported to their destinations. They were put in box size spaces and expected to live through week long journeys. We should never stop doing something we believe in just if most people may not agree with you. Stand up for what you believe in and be an individual. Just like William never gave up on the slaves Jesus never gave up on his people. Giving up would have definitely been much easier for Jesus. He could have just told his dad; “God these people aren’t taking me seriously, it’s their own fault I’m coming home.” We would have never gotten as far in life without Jesus’ salvation on us. William showed to be a awesome Christ like Christian man that many people honored. I think we would all like to be remembered for something like that.

Amazing Grace

This week's assignment was to watch the movie Amazing Grace. The class and I watched the movie trailer for Amazing Grace last wednesday, and it I thought it would be somewhat exciting to watch on the count that it is different for me to watch a movie of this type.Amazing Grace is directed by William Apted and came out the year of 2006.Amazing Grace is a movie about a man named William living in 19th century Britain. William in this film is held responsible for taking on the critical factors of the British slave trade. Because of this, William lost popularity within the House of commons, as well as the Members of Parliament. During the process, William gets very sick and catches "chronic colitis".At this time, William than decides to quit politics until Barbara inspired him to keep fighting for what he believes because if it is anyone to make a change in slavery it would be him. Soon after that William than marries Barbara, and continues to keep on fighting for success. Later in time William becomes responsible for the bill being passed through parliament in 1807. Once the bill passed, the slave trade was abolished in the British Empire for decades to come.This movie can definitely be recommended to anybody. It is a great movie that shows perseverance and hope for what you believe in.William took the role of somebody who can make a great change. William played the role and actions in which Jesus would have done for us. Through a lot of struggle and time, William never gave up on himself or the people who believed in him. He persevered and became successful by abloshing the slave trade. William and Jesus both committed very similar actions for a better living and brighter world.Without God, Jesus, or even William there would have been no one taking any role or action for the better.This movie showed me what leadership and integrity is truly about.I can say I simply enjoyed watching this film.

...that saved a wretch like me

Amazing Grace, a film set back in the 18th century, depicts the story of a man and his struggles through out his young years of fighting to abolish the slave trade in Britain. This film was directed by Michael Apted. This film was told in a series of flashbacks but ultimately ends in present day. As a young man in parliment, William Wilberforce, always had a voice. He decided to use that voice when he realized how inhumane the slave trade was! Year after year, in the fall, he would propose his plan to abolish the slave trade but never did he get enough votes. Ultimately, Britain stayed neutral on the subject, but yet hundreds of slaves were dying in these ships, and out in Jamaica, all for sugar. William ends up telling this woman about it all, after being almost set up by his friend. The two of them, after what seemed no longer than a few days, got married! I believe with the help of his wife, he found it in him to try again, and not give up. He knew he would never have peace until he saw the abolition of the slave trade through. Through trials, sickness, lost friendships, new ones, in the end, Wilberforce made it happen and had the slave trade outlawed.

this movie was very touching, especially because i grew up singing amazing grace, that was probably my first hymn. and to see the meaning behind a song that so many people know, really made me connect with the words so much more. this will definetly intrigue people because christian and non christians know this song. also because the setting, personally i love movies set in this time because it just seems so proper and classy, something we don't have as much of anymore. But people may not want to watch it because it gives them uneasy feelings in the stomachs. i know that some people dont like to talk about such touchy subjects, and that might put them off. But hopefully people will be open to see how amazing God is, and see how great he will work in us.

When william was delibetrating being a man or God or working in parliment, and his friend set up this meeting between all these people who were for abolishing the slave trade, it was true what his friend said about doing both. And when i saw that, i realized that this movie could be saying that without God there can be no righteous action, and without action there can be no real love for God. that struck me hard, and i think alot of people will get the point.

in conclusion, this movie was very good, i would recommend it to anyone, christian or not, because the message of hope, and liberation is there!