Customer Reviews

Mysterious Ways

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is difficult to review overtly Christian movies because, while the message may be commendable, the acting and general production qualities are generally way below normal Hollywood standards. Such is the case with this movie. Also, I'd say the story is relatively weak here as well. A good drama needs a serious obstacle where it is unclear if it will be overcome or not. Of course, it is expected that there will be success. In this movie we have a family where the young son is suspended for unwisely expressing his Christian beliefs in a school class. One does not accomplish much for the cause of Christianity by sassing the teacher, or anyone else for that matter. A great movie would have been if Buddy had tried to respectfully stand up for his Christian beliefs, been shut down unjustly, and fought through the legal system to force the school to allow expression of Christian beliefs as well as the pro-abortion posters.

Instead of facing their problems within the system, this family first tries to home school Buddy, then when the child protective services starts harassing them for how they are raising their children, instead of fighting for their rights through the legal system, they sell their house and take their kids out of state to live in a rural location. I won't give away how the movie ends, but for me it was very unsettling. Although the suggestion is that finally everything is okay, it seemed to me that they'd just successfully run away from their former problems. But, what will they do when they have another problem to face - run away again and create a whole new life again?

One incident that needs to be pointed out is at the end of the movie, after the grandfather had talked to the new social worker. When his daughter asked who had been at the door, he clearly lies to her about it. To me, it is okay to depict lying in a Christian movie, but never without either some negative consequence or regret and repentance.

I would suggest that the new generation of Christian movie makers would do well to apprentice with Michael Landon Jr. or Julia Kwan (Eve & the Firehorse) to move up to expected Hollywood quality. Also, this movie, like so many Christian movies, suffers from the use of inexperienced actors that are not trained in visually expressing appropriate emotions. I'd suggest that no more that 10-20% of the actors should be inexperienced actors.

One quality I did like is that it doesn't overly push Christianity. On the other hand, they seemed to make radical changes in their lives with no apparent prayer or seeking spiritual leaders to be sure they were making the changes for the right reasons. The movie is worth buying, however, to help support Christian-theme movies. With the exception of the lie, there is nothing that would be objectionable to Protestant families

My family really enjoyed this movie. I pre-viewed it for any controversial items that we wouldn't want our children to see. I was very pleased with the movie. It has serious moments that are well balanced out with bits of humor. It created several prompts for discussion in our own family with our children...standing up for what you believe in, lying (which was covered well in the special features), family relationships, socialization, and character just to name a few.

I also found it challenging for parents...how far would you go, how much discomfort are you willing to endure for your family? I love watching how natually conflicts are resloved. No special couseling, therapy, group sessions...just time. Even Grandpa came around. : )

I would reccommend this movie to anyone, homeschooling or not.

As a Christian and a person who has home schooled, I would like to say how very disappointed I was in this movie. I think movies like this give Christians a bad reputation. I thought the boy was very disrespectful to the teacher and his Grandfather. This is not pleasing to the Lord. You can take a stand for what you believe without being rude, disrespectful or snobby. I am personally all for home schooling but I am not for treating others around you like you are so much better than them, which I feel the whole family displayed. There were many opportunities for the family to show the Love of Christ to these people, share the plan of salvation and pray for them. I did not see any of that. I would not recommend this movie to anyone.

Mysterious Ways is a wonderful movie that you can enjoy together and learn together as well. It follows a family through trials and decisions that impact their lives tremendously. It is a movie about building family relationships as well.

Provided with the DVD are questions for the whole family to discuss and some lessons in film making. What an opportunity to take a glimpse behind the scenes and the intricate details necessary to organize a movie production. The movie re-affirms beliefs, shows the works of God, understands that the family is important and highlights homeschool in a awesome light.

Watch the Christian film world for more wonderful flicks from Manny Edwards.