The new children’s series Iesodo (pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe) features two episodes per DVD, special features for parents and a website link for discussion materials. The lead character is Iesodo, a white dove who represents Christ. He is the head of a flock of six birds who are like disciples, always learning as he teaches lessons.

Each episode has a creative bent on Jesus’ miracles that is put into a child’s world. For instance, Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, while Iesodo feeds thousands of birds with five acorns and two fish. Likewise, Jesus called to Peter during a storm and had him step out of a boat and walk on water, while Iesodo asks one of the birds floating on a log to walk on the water.

Some people might be bothered by the stories being just a little off from the Biblical account because children might accidentally confuse the differences between Jesus and Iesodo. It may have been better for the series to match the specific miracles or come up with very different ones to avoid the concern.

The animation itself is done very well, although some scenes have more color saturation or better lighting than others. The songs are easy for kids to follow and the characters are very likeable. Even the Pharisaical birds are fun to watch.

My favorite character is Maggie (voice by Erin Bethea known for Fireproof), a Palestinian Sunbird. Her character and singing are entertaining, which will surely bring a smile to the kids watching each episode.

The series was first developed for television and may be a true contender in the video market – 2^nd to Veggie Tales. If you want a new refreshing way to teach Jesus like stories to your children, then Iesodo is for you.

A Film by MICHAEL LANDON, JR.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

That’s the question that Kirk Cameron asks in the beginning of his latest documentary Unstoppable. Prompted by the death of a young friend, Kirk embarks on a journey to find the answer. The documentary was produced by Liberty University and broke box office records. The film played in theaters for a limited two night release and grossed $3.2MM.

Cameron, most known for his work on Growing Pains, the original Left Behind film, and Fireproof, gave an incredible performance in this emotionally charged documentary. Unfortunately, the slow pacing of the film and its eclectic style caused me to lose interest more than once. It was as if the editor took several weaker films and cut them into the documentary.

During the scenes when Cameron was on screen, I found the film compelling. In fact, his performance was so strong and personal, that I’d put it in his top-ten list of great performances.

By the end of the film, Cameron admits there is no real answer to the age old question, but takes time to explain what God did for man to overcome such losses. While the end of the film didn’t bring a satisfying answer to the question, it did leave the audience with hope for their future.

Unstoppable is currently available on DVD and study materials are available for those who’d like to use the film in a group setting. The DVD also has numerous bonus features and a trailer for Cameron’s next film, Mercy Rule.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Copyright © 2014 by CJ Powers