Unplanned DVD Review

Unplanned Review

I know this space is reserved for book reviews. I am quite aware that a DVD is not the same thing as a book, though the digitalization of our universe has blurred the edges of our nicely compartmentalized brains. However, I received a copy of Unplanned from a book publisher, and so the review belongs here, even if it does have to sit at the edge of the gym, watching all the other reviews dance together while secretly hoping for someone to just ask her to move to the music of this blog.

Unplanned is a brief (1hr) documentary. It is technically boring, mostly just shots of those speaking, with the occasional still of whatever setting is described. It is somewhat typical in its writing, without incredible nuances of the spoken word you might find in something by Michael Moore. But it does not need fancy effects or vocal excellence, because the story is enough.

The documentary tells the tale of 1 woman's journey from pro-life to pro-choice to leading one of the biggest Planned Parenthood clinics to changing her mind after actually seeing what happens in an abortion. The lead woman is the main speaker. It is produced by Focus on the Family.

If you know this much already and are hesitant to watch the film (as I was), I encourage you to pop it in your player. It is not at all what you would expect from Focus on the Family. Rather than being judgmental and derisive, this is the first voice in the abortion debate to view the opposite side as human.

The film does a wonderful job of capturing the complexity of the debate. it excels in asking the question "what is a loving way to respond to my opponents?". It never forgets that any person who has chosen abortion or supports an abortion is still, at their core, a beautiful creation made in God's image, and worthy of honor.

This film, more than any other voice in the debate, remembers that we are human. That abortion is difficult. That the debate is impassioned and important, but that Love is a better way. For that reason, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

If you would like to win a copy of this dvd, simply comment on the post and a random winner will be chosen.

Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this DVD from Tyndale, but was not required to give a positive review. Also posted on bookleenex.tumblr.com

Thor Review

"Thor and Jesus have a number of similarities. They are both the son of God and the true King of their universes. They both come to earth from their heavenly realms (though Jesus comes willingly and lovingly, while Thor is banished due to pride). They both sacrifice their own desires for the sake of saving others. They both love Natalie Portman (hey, Jesus loves everyone, right?). They both have well-groomed beards (okay, I'm stretching it now)."

via Joel Mayward
joelmayward.blogspot.com