Wanderlust Productions released their latest documentary on DVD by director Darren Wilson. Father of Lights is his third documentary feature and it excels beyond his first two films Finger of God and Furious Love. His production team traveled to numerous locations and encountered many interesting people including a powerful witch doctor and violent gang leaders.

During their travels, Wilson’s goal was to “film God” and to understand his character. His encounters were facilitated by local Christians and included a visit with a Hindu holy man. They were surprised to learn that the holy man had a dream that this team would explain to him who the Son of God was. Once the Hindu learned the truth, he gave his life to Jesus Christ and started to teach his congregation about his new belief.

The film was well made and captured interesting and unique experiences that somehow circled around and made total sense by the end of the film – As if the production was totally orchestrated by God himself. Without giving away too much of the story, I can say that every outing built toward the film’s conclusion.

The DVD includes the director’s commentary and subtitles for numerous languages.

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.”

Two-time Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington (Whip Whitaker) delivers a believable character whose hero status, after a miraculous crash landing in a broken jet saves lives, delays his realization of how the accident actually unfolded. This mystery thriller slowly peels back the numerous layers of story as the investigation brings to light who or what really caused the mid-air catastrophe.

Academy Award winner Robert Zemekis directed the film with the same flare that put Forrest Gump on the map. His other successes are too numerous to mention, but include: Cast Away, Back to the Future, Contact, Death Becomes Her, Romancing the Stone, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

The film’s $31MM budget will easily be covered as opening weekend brought in $24.9MM domestically. The film is on pace to exceed $100MM in the states and garner a nomination for best actor. Washington’s performance was supported by John Goodman, Don Cheadle and Melissa Leo.

While the all-star cast presented an Oscar^® buzz experience, it also pinched a nerve with Budweiser beer and Stolichnaya vodka, Whip’s choice drinks for his binges. Both beverage manufacturers are demanding that their product be removed from the film and require digital editing before the film releases to DVD and television.

There are several other films hunting for Oscar^® nominations due out within the next two months, so it’s a bit too early to determine if FLIGHT will bring home a third award for Washington. However, if you’re looking for great drama, this film will introduce you to a hauntingly real character.

© 2012 by CJ Powers

Photo © 2012 Paramount Pictures

Fun Size is a comedy that was undersized for the audience. It didn’t have anywhere near the impact or humor that industry executives had hoped. Many were expecting director Josh Schwartz to take over for the late John Hughes who brought us classic coming of age films like “Home Alone,” “Beethoven,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “The Breakfast Club”.

Schwartz’s freshman film had the right cast, but poor execution. There was nothing cinematic about the story and its imagery was less spectacular than many television shows. It might have faired better on Nickelodeon than in theaters, especially since screenwriter Max Werner delivered a flat script, far from his normal work on the Colbert Reports.

Tween sensation Victoria Justice held the lead role of Wren, but she was given nothing to work with. All the other characters had better dialog, more action, and unique costumes, leaving Justice with nothing but her sheer ability to perform. Even her electropop music video at the beginning of the film lacked the panache required by the silver screen.

The large amounts of product placement within the film aimed at tweens and moms were incredible. It was so abundant, that it took me out of the story several times. However, the teens I sat next to saw it as a wonderful time to chat, just like they do at home during commercials.

The movie was also filled with messages aimed directly at tweens. Most of the messages were covered over with various bathroom jokes, “boob” and “butt” innuendo, and various forms of Halloween violence that most everyone puts up with. However, there were several deeper messages so well crafted that discerning tweens and teens might miss it.

One of these messages came from two lesbian characters. Jackie (Ana Gasteyer) and Barb (Kerri KenneySilver) were down to earth, overachieving moms to Roosevelt (Thomas Mann), sidekick to Wren (Victoria Justice).  While the characters are a bit kooky, they raised the most “normal” teen in the film. They were not referenced as lesbians, but as great moms. While they were comedic, the other characters respected them.

Hollywood is working overtime to change the norms of society and this film’s messages are in sync with that movement. Bringing awareness to society about gays and lesbians is no longer a part of the agenda, as this was accomplished a few years back. The next phase is about resetting the norms of society by making these characters the most “normal” and accepting individuals in stories.

Regardless of the messages, I don’t recommend you, or your teens/tweens watch this poorly made film. Nor do I recommend it as a video rental later. The story was overly predictable, flat, and had little value worth watching. The teens sitting next to me were even bored. Although, I will say it was refreshing to watch Chelsea Handler, one of the raunchiest comedians of all time, playing one of the least raunchy people in the film.

Copyright © 2012 by CJ Powers

Photos © 2012 Paramount