Yancy – Little Praise Party: Happy Day Everyday
Mar 26, 2012 CD Reviews, DVD Reviews
Yancy
Little Praise Party: Happy Day Everyday
Independent
Grade – B
Yancy’s latest project, “Little Praise Party,” is focused on preschool age children and it includes a full-length CD and complimentary DVD. The songs are creative, fun and sing able.
The videos are animated for the most part and equally creative. The music selection offers a wide variety of themes, including holiday songs for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. As well as some amusing songs about spring, dogs, and worship in general.
“Little Praise Party” is definitely fitting for a Sunday school program, VBS, or just worshiping at home. It’s an excellent tool for families of preschoolers and I would even say those up through 3rd or 4th grade could have fun with this (and learn something at the same time).
While it is a long ways out, thankfully, I am most fond of the two Christmas songs on the project, especially “Away in a Manger,” by far the most beautiful song on the project. Check out http://yancynotnancy.com for more on “Little Praise Party.”
- Ken W.
Veggie Tales: Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men
Feb 22, 2012 DVD Reviews
Veggie Tales: Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men
Big Idea
The newest story from Big Idea tackles the difficult subject of forgiveness and dealing with hurt. In a world of broken families and a degradation of the family overall it is a very pertinent subject. There is certainly no shortage of hurt these days and anything that helps to bring healing is a good idea. The fundamentals of this story are also something that can be taught in advance as a way to equip your children.
Per their usual MO, the Veggie Tales use a good bit of humor to make the lesson interesting. In this case it starts with a cleaver “Leap Year” episode called “Larry and the Lost Birthday.” A timely video this leap year that makes for a comical drama that follows the theme of hurt and dealing with hurt feelings.
The main feature, “Robin Good,” teaches that no hurt is too big for God. It shows the struggle that the main character goes through as he tries to forgive and get over some deep hurts and then the benefit – to himself and to others – that comes when we give this over to the Lord. I love the story and more importantly the message.
You can never go wrong with the Veggie series when it comes to reaching children at their level. It almost never fails to that there is something in the humor that connects with parents as well.
- Ken W.
VeggieTales presents: The Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men DVD!
Far away in Bethlingham, a greedy prince starts stealing from the poor. When Robin Good’s men retaliate by robbing from the rich, he refuses to join them. But then the prince captures his friends! Can he overcome his hurt in time to rescue them—and restore the townspeople’s hope? Includes a bonus episode, “Lenny & the Lost Birthday.”
- Leapin’ Leap Year Lesson
- “Fun”-Raising with Larry
- “Things Will Get Better” – Singalong Song
- “Prince of Ham” – Singalong Song
- Robin Good’s Guide to Handling Hurt – Discussion Guide
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- English and Spanish Subtitles
Plus! An all new Silly Song!
Running Time: Approx. 50 min.
Veggie Tales: If I Sang a Silly Song
Feb 22, 2012 DVD Reviews
Veggie Tales: If I Sang a Silly Song
Big Idea
In this video compilation, Big Idea presents the best of 20 years worth of silliness. The DVD has two main parts with the top 10 from the first and second decades respectively. The presentation is an enjoyable play on a telethon, in this case “The Silly Song Telethon,” hosted by Larry the Cucumber. The interludes are just as entertaining as the videos themselves.
“If I Sang a Silly Song” is loaded with goodies that accumulate to more than an hour of entertainment, including “sing a-long” karaoke style versions of each silly song.
The video also includes a new fan-based video called “Bubble Rap,” which was released on the official website and it is also included on the upcoming “Robin Good” feature. The idea for this silly song was taken from a collection of “fan-inspired” ideas.
“If I Sing a Silly Song” is highly interactive and it has been fun to watch the children enjoy the collection of songs that predate their own births. For long drives the DVD has already come in handy as a traveling distraction. “If I Sang a Silly Song” can be purchased directly from the official Veggie Tales website: http://store.veggietales.com/dvds-shows/veggietales.html.
- Ken W.
- Includes 20 great Silly Songs:
- I Love My Lips
- The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything
- Belly Button
- His Cheeseburger
- Endangered Love
- The Water Buffalo Song
- The Song of the Cebu
- Dance of the Cucumber
- Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps
- Monkey
- The Hairbrush Song
- Biscuit of Zazzamarandabo
- The SUV Song
- Lance the Turtle
- Gated Community
- Where Have All The Staplers Gone?
- Sippy Cup
- Pants
- Pizza Angel
- Goodnight Junior
Plus an All New Silly Song! Witness the debut of an all-new, sure-to-be-favorite Silly Song picked from thousands of fan submitted entries!
Running Time Approx. 72 min.
VeggieTales – The Little Drummer Boy
Nov 25, 2011 DVD Reviews
The Little Drummer Boy
VeggieTales
Big Idea
The newest Christmas DVD from the VeggieTales series is a play on the 1968 stop motion classic of the same name. In a very veggie fashion the loveable characters tell a story of forgiveness, and recognizing the value of our God-given gifts. The new feature also includes a remake of the traditional “Drummer Boy” song by BeBe and CeCe Winans. There is also a new silly-song called “8 Polish Foods of Christmas.” I particularly found the occasional Star Wars references quite witty. The underlying story of Aaron and the difficult circumstances of his life also depict upright character traits and spiritual growth, all together a great lessons and a lot of fun on one disc.
Big Idea and the VeggieTales series have a partnership with World Vision as well and you can visit http://www.veggietales.com/worldvision for more information on how you can help provide a “life-saving” gift to a family in need. This too is a wonderful lesson in caring and giving at a time when materialism and receiving tends to have a stronger pull in our hearts.
- Ken W.
Snowmen (DVD)
Nov 25, 2011 DVD Reviews
Snowmen (DVD)
ARC Entertainment &
Mpower Pictures
“Snowmen” is a “coming-of-age” feature film about three young friends trying to make their mark in history, mostly driven by one of the kids who is overly obsessed with getting into the Guinness World Records. The story is interesting and there are a lot of good character points and valuable lessons learned. And while there are moments of juvenile humor, and a couple of “crap” words thrown in the dialog, the movie overall maintains a clean “family friendly” atmosphere.
I would however have benefited from reading the parental warning as the film is rated PG for peril and juvenile humor. It was the peril that was most shocking for my own children. I would say that this movie is safer for tweens and up, but I should have been more careful to not assume that “family friendly” meant it was okay for my 5 year old and 8 year old. There were scenes that ended up keeping them up at night.
Aside from my ineptitude and lack of discernment, the movie was touching and the morals were respectable. The slight bit of crudeness was minimal compared to most coming of age movies. While there were plot points you could easily predict, there were just as many twists that were not expected. I would highly recommend this for families, but parents may want to preview before allowing their pre-teens or teens watch the movie.
The film features some recognizable actors like Ray Liotta and a cameo by Christopher Lloyd. The DVD extras include some funny outtakes and a lot of behind the screen footage including an interview with the director. While this is not a holiday film per se, it is seasonal. For more information check out the official website at http://snowmenmovie.com/.
- Ken W.
Alleged (DVD Review)
Nov 12, 2011 DVD Reviews
Alleged
Image Entertainment
The movie “Alleged” is a historical piece based on the 1925 Scopes trial also referred to as the “Monkey Trial.” This time period is set in what is also known as the “Ballyhoo” time period when US citizens were changing their focus to lighter things after the horrors of WWI.
As the drama begins to build up we see small-town folks concoct a plan to bring good fortune to their small village to make up for the untimely closing of the local mine. The leaders of the community saw the trial as an opportunistic venture and the media saw it as a way to sensationalize the debate between creationist and evolutionist.
The trial then is the backdrop for this romantic-infused drama and the story focus’ on news reporter Charles Anderson (played by Nathan West). Charles is looking to break out of the small town newspaper and into the much larger market of the Baltimore Sun. Thus enters one of the villains of the movie, Baltimore Sun editor H. L. Mencken (played by Colm Meany). The editor plays on Charles’ ambitions and ultimately bides Charles against his own fiancé (hence the romantic drama). The internal battle within Charles’ mind is a classic battle of right and wrong or “moral responsibility and journalistic opportunity” as the press release states.
The personal drama nearly wipes out the landmark battle of the trial itself. However, supporting actors Brian Dennehy (playing attorney Clarence Darrow) and Fred Dalton Thompson (playing William Jennings Bryan) do an exemplary performance that helps to keep the trial at the forefront of the film.
I was equally impressed with the production, as even the film effects maintained the time period of the story. The acting staff includes some really big names and all did an amazing job with their individual characters.
Aside from the production, there were other elements of the movie that I found favorable. The historical context of the story is important and it helps to draw your attention to that era and inspires you to dig deeper into the basis of the trial itself. Secondly, the struggle that Charles goes through is not that uncommon and his story is a fitting lesson of character that is much needed in today’s society. In our time we are all too familiar with media sensationalism and the get ahead at any cost approach to careers. This story gives us a closer look at what a Biblical perspective looks like compared to the secular approach.
“Alleged” has not been rated, however, I would feel safe comparing it to maybe a PG13 movie. Any younger than that and they’re not going to follow the story well anyways. The only two pieces that are questionable include one swear word and one scene where editor Mencken is urinating on the side of the road in front of the welcome sign. I guess this particular scene was a character setup letting you know the general unpleasant nature of the editor. Overall though the film was very “family friendly” and I would highly recommend it for family movie night.
- Ken W.
Princess and the Pop Star: A Story of Trading Places
Aug 5, 2011 DVD Reviews
Princess and the Pop Star: A Story of Trading Places
VeggieTales
Big Idea
The newest adventure in the VeggieTales series is another story particularly for the girls, as was last summer’s release of “Sweetpea Beauty.” In “Princess and the Pop Start” the story is derived from the passage of Jeremiah 1:5 which reads, “Before I formed you in your mother’s body, I choose you. Before you were born, I set you apart to serve me. A very culturally relevant lesson for today’s youth.
The main characters have a canny resemblance and like many other switcheroo stories they manage to trade places with each other for a short time. While before this encounter they both wished they had it some other way, by the end of the tale the both learn something about being content with being who they are. It’s Princess Poppyseed who learns the most and aside from the verse and being content, she also learns about unconditional love with regards to her siblings. This is a very important lesson that was not mentioned in the synopsis.
“Princess and the Pop Star” is out this month (August, 2011) and the feature includes a new song by Francesca Battistelli and a new silly song called “Astonishing Wigs.” The DVD extras include sing-along versions of each of the songs as well. There will be a companion CD, “Songs for a Princess,” released in conjunction with the DVD. “Princess and the Pop Star” is a very relevant and critical life-lesson and one that I’m sure the boys will enjoy just as much as the girls.
- Ken W.
VeggieTales Live!: Sing Yourself Silly
Aug 5, 2011 DVD Reviews
VeggieTales Live!: Sing Yourself Silly
Big Idea
“Sing Yourself Silly” is a recording of the live VeggieTales show. The live show hits a limited market so it is a great idea to tape it live for a DVD release like this. At first I did not think that watching a video of a live show (that’s not animated), would not be as entertaining as a typical Veggie DVD. However, I was completely wrong. The live DVD was highly entertaining and the children loved singing along with the characters and they liked watching how the scenes and dances were choreographed with each song.
The DVD is over 70 minutes long and it includes 18 silly songs as the main feature. The extras include some backstage videos which is a very cool addition. Like I said, the show hits a limited market and having the event captured on DVD means more people get to enjoy the production.
While it’s never the same as being there live, there are pluses to having it on DVD instead. For one thing if the children get tired you don’t have to suffer through the whole show with a less than pleasant child. Simply stop the video and start it again when ready. I guess even if you were able to see the show live the DVD would still be a treasure to have as the children can look back on it later and appreciate what went in to making the production materialize.
- Ken
Mission Six/The Rubyz/Jonnie & Brookie
Jul 2, 2011 CD Reviews, DVD Reviews
Mission Six/The Rubyz/Jonnie & Brookie
MVP/DVD
iShine
Grade = C+
These three separate MVP (Music, Video, Purpose) disks are low-budget Christian versions of Teen Nick. There’s far worse out there for the tweener crowd.
Most of the music videos are done in studio or in front of a green screen; lots of guitars and synths and generic lyrics. If your faith practices frown on youth dancing, avoid these. I’ve seen more enthusiastic studio crowds. It’s also a little disconcerting to see performers on stage without any backing musicians. At times the choreography is a little painful to watch.
I did cringe when during an “iAsk” segment, a tot asked, “Will I keep my name in heaven?” The youthful respondent essentially said. “Yeah, I think so.”
- Rob S.
VeggieTales: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter
Apr 14, 2011 DVD Reviews
VeggieTales: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter
Big Idea
The latest from Big Idea is a new Easter episode with a very special lesson. Statistically, Easter, like other Christian holidays, is a time of the year when attendance is usually up at most services. Therefore, the pressure can be on to employ a “impress and awe” service and that’s half of the story on this DVD. To quote from C. S. Lewis’ Letters to Malcom, “’I wish they’d remember that the charge to Peter was Feed my sheep; not Try experiments on my rats, or even, Teach my performing dogs new tricks.’”
The second half is the individual who catches a vision and goes for it without regard for others – even when it is a worthy cause we sometimes think we know what people need and we miss an opportunity to just live out our faith through service. Our main character, Marlee Meade, feels strongly that she can give others what they need by putting on a huge theatrical production but she fails to even look at the more simple needs right in front of her.
‘Twas the Night Before Easter features American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle as the voice of Cassie Cassava. Cassie is a sought out performer that both the church pastor and Marlee who feel like she can be used to draw in the crowds. Aside from Cassie’s character, there are a handful of other cultural references to American Idol and its British counterparts.
Extras on the DVD include audio commentary, a silly-song-sing-along called “Hopperena,” some behind the scenes look at the character of Cassie and the Veggie Tales Live! traveling show. There is also an interactive matching game on the DVD.
Continuing with the theme of serving others, Big Idea is partnering with World Vision on the promotion of this video and the overall theme of serving others. According to the press materials, the partnership will help to raise awareness of how others can help by child sponsorship through World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org).
For more information check out http://www.bigidea.com.
- Ken W.
