Reviewed by: Elisa A. Walker
CONTRIBUTOR
Moral Rating: | Excellent! |
Moviemaking Quality: |
|
Primary Audience: | Family Teens Adults |
Genre: | Christian Drama |
Length: | 1 hr. 31 min. |
Year of Release: | 2009 |
USA Release: |
September 15, 2009 (church showings and DVD) |
Mercy in the Bible
Orphans in the Bible
Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? Answer
What about the issue of suffering? Doesn’t this prove that there is no God and that we are on our own? Answer
Does God feel our pain? Answer
ORIGIN OF BAD—How did bad things come about? Answer
Did God make the world the way it is now? What kind of world would you create? Answer
Featuring |
Ellen Bry Lucas Till Jessica Luza Michael May, Greg Thompson, Cynthia Evans, Dolan Wilson, Bob King, Della Cole, Jeff Portell, Ken Colquit, Syvonne, Justin Carpenter, Stan Patterson, Teri Carpenter, Tonya Stoneman, Bruce Taylor |
Director |
Barnet Bain |
Producer | Mrs. Hobbes' House Productions, Martha Almond, Bobbie Collis, Terry Collis, David E. Harshbarger, Jeff Ross |
Distributor |
Sony Pictures Classics, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment |
“Sometimes when a door closes… a whole new world opens up.”
Five damaged foster children, two struggling foster parents, and one recovering widow—a story of love, hardship, and finding God. “The Lost and Found Family” is a heartwarming story that challenges the viewer about how God truly works in our lives, while encouraging the viewer to take a step back and see the work that can be done when we let God open doors for us.
I found nothing offensive with this film. But to be on the safe side, I will mention possible infractions in this film. The foster children have bad attitudes, trust issues, and bad manners—though who wouldn’t when they have been abused or abandoned. Teri (Jessica Luza) steals some of Esther’s (Ellen Bry—TV’s “St. Elsewhere”) jewelry. In the beginning of the movie, Esther’s husband has what seems to be a heart attack, but nothing is shown. Also, Justin (Lucas Till — “Hannah Montana: The Movie”) falls off his skateboard and scrapes his leg. Furthermore, Max (Michael May) has a heart condition and is rushed to the hospital; nothing is really shown except him lying on the floor looking a little flu-like. And, Teri is given speed by her friend but decides not to take the “tabs” and gives them to Justin (so as not to be tempted) who disposes of them for her sake.
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother”; “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death”; “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (Romans 14:13; James 1:14-15; James 1:12).
Finally, this is a movie about foster children and foster-care, but it is shown in a very mild manner.
Besides “Facing the Giants,” I don’t think I have ever seen a cleaner film. No violence, no sex and no profanity—wow! It’s a clean family movie for all ages; one of the few movies out there that an entire family can see comfortably, without any awkward moments. Although this was a great Christian film, had some touching moments, and had a great message about God, I would not go so far as to call it a “Blockbuster Hit.” Just be warned that this is a typical Christian film, with cheesy moments, borderline-average acting, a documentary-like feel, a substandard script and a sermon intermixed throughout the movie. I guess I wish Christian films could have bigger budgets so that they could reach a wider audience. In no way am I against Christian films or am I bashing them, I just think that Christian filmmakers should step it up a notch. Though corny and another run-of-the-mill Christian movie, I highly recommend it for its genre A+.
Violence: None / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4