FILM REVIEWS

The Last Airbender
RATING: 3/5
CAST: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone.

REVIEW: Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war afgainst the others. A century has passed with no hope to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang [Noah Ringer] discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aan teams with Katara [Nicola peltz], a Watebender and her brother, Sokka [Jackson Rathbone], to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Based on the hugely succesful Nickelodean animated TV series, the live-action feature film 'The Last Airbender' is the opening chapter in Aang's struggle to survive.

Well-choreographed fight scenes, breath-taking special effects and a strong storyline and all the things this movie has going for it.

The cast of newcomers are rounded out by Dev Patel [Prince Zuko] fresh off his highly successful run as leading man 'Jamal' in runaway British Smash-hit 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

Both Patel and 13-year old Noah Ringer bring with them several years professional competition experience as Taekwondo Black belts. Whilst Nicola Peltz's natural talent in extreme sports and agility as a team member of a female regional hockey team, meant the cast weren't afraid to throw themselves into the much-needed physicality of their roles.

This lends the fighting and action sequences authenticity and gives director M. Night Shamalyan, an easier task in bringing the much-loved story to life.

As movies go, the cinematography and the fight scenes are definitely worth a viewing, but be prepared to suspend all belief and simply enter into M. Night's typically unusual style of story-telling, in order to really enjoy the ride!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader

RATING: 4.5/5
CAST: Skandar Keynes, Georgie henley, Ben Barnes & Will Poulter.

REVIEW: In this new installment of the magical 'Chronicles of Narnia', our favourite hero and heroine Edward [Skandar Keynes] & Lucy Pevensie [Georgie Henley], are swallowed into a painting that puts them on board a ship named the Dawn Treader along with their cousin Eustace [Will Poulter], King Caspian [Ben Barnes] and a warrior mouse named Reepicheep, as it heads back to the land of Narnia!

Based on the C.S. Lewis' wonderful children's books, the story centers around their mission to protect their beloved land and weaves a tale that involves new adventures to mysterious islands, plenty of magical creatures and vengeful enemies, plus a reunion with very special friend...

Fans of the previous Narnia movies will not be disappointed. Filled with beautiful images, convincing special effects and edge-of-your-seat excitement, this new addition to the Narnia film catalogue is sure to become a classic!

The decision to keep all the original actors has helped audiences develop a bond with the main characters - we genuinely care what happens in this next chapter of the fantasy adventure - but the direction and production quality also play a huge part in keeping Lewis's original vision alive.

THE must-see, feel-good movie of the year by a long shot, this is one for all the family and a great pre-Christmas treat. Just be sure to buy several large buckets of popcorn and to keep some tissues handy!

MUSIC REVIEWS

WORSHIP: Onething '09 Live
RATING: 4.5/5
REVIEW: Onething '09 LIVE captures the worship and music from the International House of Prayer's premier conference for young adults. With over 20,000 gathered in downtown Kansas City in December 2009, this is one of the most dynamic recordings from IHOP-KC yet.
This CD/DVD set includes many favorite songs from several of our beloved IHOP-KC worship leaders, as well as times of spontaneous, prophetic worship.
Featuring Misty Edwards, Laura Hackett, Cory Asbury, Matt Gilman, and many others, Onething '09 LIVE captures the energetic atmosphere and vibrant worship of the conference, and will help you to encounter Jesus through passionate worship.

WEBSITE LINK [for purchase]:
http://forerunnermediagroup.com/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000087983

WORSHIP: Hillsong Live 'A Beautiful Exchange'
RATING: 5/5

REVIEW: On Sunday night 8th of November 2009, thousands of worshippers gathered together in the Sydney Entertainment Centre in a collective Expression of worship, recording the latest live worship album from Hillsong Church. The fact that an album was being recorded seemed incidental, inconsequential even, as thousands of voices ascended heavenward, filling the stadium with a heartfelt expression of worship. The presence of God was tangible, the focus singular - a beautiful exchange: ''Perfection took our place, when only love could make a way, you gave your life in a beautiful exchange...'

It is intoxicating - captivating what the power of a unified church in worship can accomplish. That night, thousands of people knelt at the feet of their magnificent Saviour in adoration; a beautiful exchange on so many levels.
Both the CD and DVD are a complete worship experience. The album features 12 fresh, new songs including the title track 'Beautiful Exchange', and this year the DVD and Blu-ray comes complete with a special backstage look into the work that goes on behind-the-scenes.

The Medicine EPK:

How He Loves EPK:

CONTEMPORARY: 'The Medicine'
, John Mark McMillan RATING: 5/5
REVIEW: You may not have heard his name, but you most likely have heard his song 'How He Loves' covered by the likes of TheDavid Crowder Band, Jesus Culture, Flyleaf and Hillsong United, to name just a few. 'How He Loves' that was birthed after the death of his childhood friend a few years ago, has gained popularity in churches around the world for it's simple lyrics and honest declarations of brokenness and loss. See the EPK for the full story!

Hot on the trails of the song's re-release as an EP, comes his latest album 'The Medicine'. In his own words on his website's blog, John Mark says; 'The Medicine' presents portraits of resurrection. From 'Death In His Grave', a southern, hymn-like narrative depicting the classic resurrection of Jesus, to 'Skeleton Bones', a worship song celebrating the power of resurrection life, a story of resurrection is present throughout the whole record. Songs like 'Ten Thousand' illustrate the ultimate victory of life over the grave as do 'Out of the Ground' and 'Carbon Ribs' in more abstract ways.

More than anything, I think 'The Medicine' explores the implications of resurrection in our every day lives even the dead places of our lives that need resurrecting.

WEBSITE LINK [for purchase]: http://www.thejohnmark.com/wrdprs/
WIDGET [ALBUM SAMPLES]: http://www.thejohnmark.com/music.html

BOOK REVIEWS

TITLE: ACTS 3:16 PRECIOUS MIRACLE
AUTHOR: Jannet Hopewell
REVIEW:
Jannet Hopewell is a true walking, talking proof that God does heal and still performs precious miracles today. For a decade and a half Jannet suffered from a vertebral anomaly known as Spondylolisthesis, a degenerative back disease which kept her wheelchair bound and unable to walk or support herself without help from others.

Not only did she endure the extreme daily torture of her back condition, she also suffered additional pain from an advanced form of Endometriosis and complications of pelvic and abdominal adhesions. So hopeless was her situation that she was condemned by many perplexed medical professionals and told she was a hopeless case. Jannet knew it would take a miracle for her health to be restored...

Early on the morning of April 9, 2005, she heard a voice commanding her to get up and walk. In faith she obeyed and what followed was an amazing healing miracle! Ever since that day, she has not looked back. If you have been waiting for a 'WORD' from God, then this book of testimony is for you! Told in her own words with raw honesty, passion and urgency. This book is an infectious and compelling account of how God took one broken woman and restored her health, life and purpose. Her story has since been featured in several Christian publications worldwide and the testimony of healing heard in many nations.

Jannet is married to Bishop Joseph Hopewell. They have four wonderful children whose testimonies are also featured in this book.

[ Click Here To Order A copy Now! ]

TITLE: Can I Have & Do It All?
AUTHOR: Christine Caine

REVIEW:

More than ever before, women are navigating through increasing amounts of responsibility, activity, scheduling and multi-tasking...and we need some answers about how to have and do it all in life! For years, we as women have been told we can have it all, be it all and do it all. Inevitably, we too have aggressively set out on a pursuit to achieve this utopian ''all''.

We get up one hour earlier to exercise, another hour earlier to get the kids ready and packed for school and yet another hour before that to pray. We are consummate organizers, jugglers and problem solvers as we manage husbands, children, church commitments, friendships, finances, groceries, mealtimes, child taxi service, quiet time with God and whatever else is on the agenda. Then, we go to bed one hour later to ensure the house is tidy, or another hour later to read a chapter of the latest best seller and another hour later to have time with our husband. It almost gets to the point where we should forego sleep altogether because the moment our head touches the pillow, it's time to rise and shine.

Sound familiar? Well, this book is for every woman looking for answers on how to truly have (and do) it all!

TITLE: Broken Into beautiful
AUTHOR: Gwen Smith
REVIEW:

God delights to transform lives...including your own.
If you're like most women, you have things in your past you'd like to forget. The result? Guilt. Pain. Shame. You feel unworthy to move on, to serve God, to be free, and to know peace. While the enemy loves to shackle you with accusations, the Lord loves to extend grace and forgiveness.

In Broken into Beautiful, singer and songwriter and now, Author Gwen Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls...and of the loving heavenly Father who makes them beautiful again. He can restore your brokenness too.

Experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work. He is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful.