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Eragon
Eragon (2006)
10/10
A decent, enjoyable film
15 December 2006
I went to Eragon not expecting a whole lot, and was quite pleasantly surprised. I am actually shocked to see how many people are giving it bad reviews. Sure, I haven't read the book like a lot of people have, but if you take the movie for itself, it is passingly well-done. Just don't go in expecting a LOTR and you should find the movie very enjoyable. The special effects are for the most part superb, including the dragon, Saphira, who looked a lot more realistic than I expected. Ed Speelers does a very commendable job, for his debut movie performance. He comes across as a fresh-faced, somewhat naive, but sincere and believable Eragon.

I don't know about the book, but this isn't a movie with a deep storyline, or important moral. It's a fun, fantasy film with plenty of thrills, a few funny or touching moments and stunning cinematography. But, that being said, it didn't feel empty. I left the theater feeling very satisfied and more than ready to see a sequel. I really hate to see people giving it such a bad rap. It gets 9 out of 10 stars from me. The one star off being for some clumsiness in the plotting/script and some of the disturbingly ugly evil creatures (I don't recall the name), which I think could have been downplayed more for a PG movie.

Overall, Eragon is a highly enjoyable experience. I hope more people start to see it as such.
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End of the Spear
End of the Spear (2005)
10/10
Touching and powerful
22 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I don't usually write reviews for movies unless I can give them a ten star rating. This film would have earned ten stars for the message alone, even if it hadn't been so well-done. Technically, End of the Spear was well-directed on all points. Chad Allen gave an excellent, believable performance as Nate Saint, and later, Steve Saint. Louie Leonardo was simply stunning in his role as Minkayani, and made a real impact on the whole movie.

This technical excellence, though much appreciated, was only the icing on the cake. The true substance of this film is in the message that it tells in such a way that it is inescapable, and yet draws the world in. Though I don't believe the name of Jesus was ever mentioned, the sacrifice, forgiveness, love and redemption unashamedly portrayed in the story can't be mistaken as anything but a message from God. The story, that of the missionaries and of the Waodani, is sometimes brutal, and it was not softened or minced in any way. The violence was well-handled, and though I wouldn't recommend a young child seeing the movie, it could have been far more graphic.

Acting, music, the storyline, the scenery-- everything combined to make End of the Spear one of the most moving films I've ever seen. But there are two scenes that really stand out in my mind. The first is when the missionaries are killed by the Waodani. It is played out in slow motion, which makes it very intense and also very effective. I guess what really got me was when, after watching his friends brutally murdered, the dying Nate Saint tells his killer, "We are your friends." (in their own language of course) Then there's the scene near the end of the movie where Minkayani takes Steve Saint to the spot where his father was killed. From the revelation (Minkayani's scream, "I speared your father!) to Steve Saint's powerful line, "You didn't take my father's life... he gave it." It had me in tears.

End of the Spear is a film truly worthy of the golden story it tells, and I only hope it succeeds in touching the world as much as it touched me.
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
10/10
A Classic for all Time
23 December 2005
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe should go down in the history books right up there with the likes of Lord of the Rings. I went to see it expecting a very good movie. I came out stunned by the magnitude of the picture. Everything about it is so well done, the casting, the scenery, the score. Lord of the Rings is the only thing I can think of to compare it to. I experienced the same overwhelming sense of awe watching both of these phenomenal pictures. The CG images are very good, though not quite as startlingly realistic as those in LOTR. I cannot find fault with the casting in any way.

Though the voice of Liam Neeson is not as I would have imagined a lion's at first, it is smooth, confident, and effective. Aslan is given the presence so essential to the heart of the story. I must comment on the performance of James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus, which I believe was the best in the film. Lucy was adorable, and surprisingly convincing, and Peter was given a very firm performance. I was a little nervous about how Edmund would turn out, but I needn't have worried; those large, startlingly dark eyes are perfect for the change from traitor to hero.

I commend the directors of the movie on their strict adherence to the book. Narnia isn't just "based" on the book. It IS the book. The scope, depth, and wonder of Lewis's world have been captured in a timeless manner that should be cherished for all ages. This is a movie for everyone, at a level for children to understand, yet with a fast plot and exciting battle sequences that will keep anyone interested. The last battle scene especially is as touching as any I have ever seen, including those in LOTR, putting tears in my eyes even while my heart soared. Go see Narnia for an exciting, well-done film, and a timeless message that our world so desperately needs.

Ten stars!!
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