Millions (2004)

Directed by Danny Boyle
Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Starring Alex Entel, James Nesbitt, Lewis McGibbon and Daisy Donovan

A 7-year-old English boy finds his ethics tested when he stumbles upon a bag of British Pounds just days before the currency is switched to Euros. With pressure from his brother to keep it a secret and spend it on himself, the young child finds an overwhelming urge to give the money to the needy.

Undeniably the most un-Danny Boyle film Danny Boyle has ever directed, it feels more like a Tim Burton film with just a dash of Boyle influence. Everything about the setting, the music and the cinematography reminds me of Burton.

A feel good crowd pleaser about the human condition, this movie will put a smile on your face from the beginning. Filled with great humor and lessons on morality, this film is quite enjoyable. The imagination of the main character added for some entertaining and at times, some touching moments.

The only problem that I had with it, if I had to choose one, was when they decided to take a darker root. It only combined for maybe a total of ten minutes. But it stuck out like a sore thumb among the rest of the movie. It just didn't seem to fit. But other than that, I rather enjoyed it.

My Rating: 6.5/10

The Seventh Seal (1957)

Written and Directed by Ingmar Bergman

Starring Max von Sydow, Bengt Ekerot, Gunnar Björnstrand and Nils Poppe

A knight returning home from ten years of fighting in the crusades is greeted by Death, who has come to take him. He barters with the dark figure to play chess, in order to seek answers about life, death and the existence of God.

With it's dark themes and faith questioning protagonist, this film is definitely not one that could have ever been made in the United States at the time it was produced. Asking questions and seeking the answers that we all struggle with at some point in our lives, "The Seventh Seal" is a film we can all related to.

Arguably the most artistic film to come out of the 50s, this Swedish picture explores existentialism and does not give you a second to believe it's anything other than that. From the beginning, the imagery of a man playing chess on a beach with Death sets the tone for the rest of the movie immediately. And for that, it has become one of the most famous images in cinema history.

With thought provoking dialogue, backed with some of the best performances of it's decade, it is easy to see why "The Seventh Seal" has become such a renowned classic. While the techniques and technology used to make this remarkable film have become outdated, the themes are timeless and will never lose their relevancy. This movie is certainly not for everyone. But if you consider yourself a film buff, you have to see it. You may love it or you may hate it. But at least you will have an educated opinion on such a classic film.

My Rating: 7.3/10

The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012)

Directed by Felix van Groeningen
Written by Carl Joos and Felix van Groeningen, based on the play by Johan Heldenberg and Mieke Dobbels with collaboration from Charolette Vandermeersch
Starring Johan Heldenberg, Veerle Baetens, Nell Cattrysse and Geert van Rampelberg

A religiously devout tattoo artist and an atheist banjo player obsessed with bluegrass music form an unlikely romance and instantly fall in love despite their differences. Years later, their daughter becomes ill, putting new strains on their relationship.

A heartbreaking story about the stresses of having a child with cancer, this film explores that terribly common scenario with a couple who have two separate views of the afterlife. In a brutally honest, yet with a hint of reverence, the filmmakers tackle such controversial topics as religion, stem cell research and the separation of church and state.

The two leading actors give painfully sincere performances, depicting the parents who may lose their only child. And the fact that the two performed the music throughout only adds to the impressive feat. The way the director uses delicately chosen songs to push the plot forward, while also giving more insight to where the characters are at emotionally, is truly a task that should not be overlooked. It is impeccable how well these songs say so much, yet don't bring the flow of the film to a screeching halt.

And the songs are pretty damn good, too.

One of the most unexpected thing in this movie is the performance of the little girl who plays their daughter. It is rare that a young actress such as herself can be convincing in their performances. I found myself thinking that they had hired one of their daughters to play her, but that was not the case. She just seemed so natural with them.

While the story is a heavy one and it may be hard to watch at times, "The Broken Circle Breakdown" is one of the more powerful films I have seen. And although it has only been about three years since it's release, I can tell that it is a timeless story that people will be able to connect with decades from now.

My Rating: 8/10

Believe Me (2014)

Directed by Will Bakke
Written by Michael B. Allen and Will Bakke
Starring Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, Johanna Brady and Miles Fisher

Four fraternity brothers in need of cash to pay off various bills create a fraudulent faith-based non-profit organization. They find themselves in over their heads when they agree to tour with a much larger missionary organization and are asked to preach the faith they don't believe in.

Before I get started on this review, know that my opinion may very well not be yours when it comes to this movie. While not an entirely religious film to the likes of Kirk Cameron, this does have heavy Christian themes to it. And I know due to that, not everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.

That being said, this does right in what every other faith-based movie does wrong. It creates real, imperfect characters. Characters who either struggle with their faith or have none at all and are the protagonists, rather than the supporting characters the protagonists try to persuade to turn to God.

That in itself is the reason I love this movie. Having grown up and being raised by a Pastor, I have seen a lot of Christian movies. And most of them are terrible. Their characters are too perfect and never question their faith. This starts with imperfect and frankly, terrible people and focus on them in a faith based world.

Just terrible, terrible people.

Filled with jokes that church going people will find funnier than non-church-goers (see image below), it is truly a movie made for Christians who are tired of faith-based movies making us all look bad (I'm looking at you, Kevin Sorbo!). I'm not confident everyone will enjoy this movie. But I'm pretty sure most Christians will.

Jesus Jesus

Jesus Jesus

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My Rating: 7.5/10