Watch pro-life movie Crescendo

This mesmerizing film immerses you in the agony of Maria whose husband beats and humiliates her as she deliberates over an abortion. The ending is a sudden crescendo of the freeing power of hope!
Watch it here.

Movie Review: Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me

This is a story about Glen Campbell.  Filmed as a documentary, it details his  struggle with alzheimer's disease, and highlights moments from his career.  


I was particularly struck by the lengths his family has gone to to support him, both in his struggle with the disease, and the production of his final album and farewell road tour.  It shows what a family should be.  Although it is sad to watch the struggle, it is also uplifting to see how determined they are to overcome it.  Both Glen and his family stay amazingly upbeat.  I also enjoyed the many clips they show from his performances.  It does get harder, as we see Glen increasingly affected by the disease.

One of his performances included 3 of his children, so I don't think he's going to be the last Campbell to be successful in the music industry :)

A very heartwarming  and inspirational story that I heartily recommend.

http://glencampbellmovie.com/

Movie Review: The Judge - R

Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is a successful Chicago attorney.  When his mother dies, He goes home to a small town in Indiana, and the family he has become estranged from.  While he is still there, his father, Judge Joseph Parker, is accused of murder.   Henry stays to defend him.  Aside from the trial itself, the story focuses on their relationships.  Downey and Duvall give Oscar worthy performances, and Vincent D'Onofrio is also very good as Hank's brother.   The story highlights both the strength and fragility of family relationships, and the need for forgiveness.

I  do recommend The Judge, but  for adults, not children.

Content warnings include language,  and a couple of crude moments (no nudity or sex scenes).

http://thejudgemovie.com/

Music Review: VIP by Manic Drive

The best aspect of VIP is the tempo/rhythm/beat of the tracks.  The whole CD is very contemporary,  and it will especially appeal to young people.  Even though I am only 'young at heart', it appeals to me :)


The thing I like best about VIP is that  the songs are so relative...they almost felt like they were written to me, or about me, because I could relate so personally to them.  I do wish there were more than 8 tracks.  Although they convey our weaknesses and failings, they highlight God's saving grace.  It is also motivational.

My favorite track is Indestructible....it encompasses so much....how we can lose our way and God finds us, how we are so weak and yet shielded by Him, we are invincible,how he is our strength, and He watches over us.

I highly recommend VIP...it is uplifting, entertaining and will help bring you closer to the Lord.

http://www.manicdrive.com/

Music Review: Christmas in Harvard Square

My first holiday music review of the season :)

An enjoyable blend of familiar and unfamiliar Christmas hymns.  Out of 19 tracks, I was familiar with about half of them..  A few were in Latin, most in English.  


I have heard and reviewed several boy choir  CD's, and one mistake I have found with a couple of them, and this one, is that they use a key that is too high, perhaps an effort to emphasize the boys' ability to reach high pitches.  This is not necessary, because  the best songs were those which most effectively used harmonizing.  The best harmonizing is in Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Indeed, it is clear that most of the boys have crystal-like voices which captivate the listener.

To be honest, the audio quality could have been better....most of the songs sounded like the microphone was placed way too far from the choir.

By far, the two best tracks on the CD are Hark, the Herald Angels Sing and Angels We Have Heard on High.  The Little Road to Bethlehem was also especially well-done and beautiful.

I recommend Christmas in Harvard Square...not only  is it relaxing and enjoyable, it will help get you in the Christmas spirit :)