Over the years, author Kate DiCamillo has written over 25 children’s novels, including Because of Winn-Dixie, Flora & Ulysses, and The Tale of Despereaux.Many of her books have been adapted to feature-length films, with the latest coming from the Australian animation studio, Animal Logic. This modern fairy tale captures a boy’s desperate attempts to reunite with his sister through the magical appearance of an elephant in the local community.

Peter Augustus Duchene (Noah Jupe) has spent most of his life as an orphan, raised by a retired soldier named Vilna Lutz (Mandy Patinkin). As he is cared for and lives a disciplined life, the boy still hopes his sister is alive. One day, when purchasing the meal for the night at the markets, Peter decides to spend his money on a fortune teller who seems to know everything about his life. Yet, her advice is to follow the elephant to find his lost sibling, even though there are no pachyderms in this area of the world. At least there was not any until an incompetent magician (Benedict Wong) who did all he could to entertain the local crowd accidentally conjured this massive land animal out of thin air. His unexpected actions lead to events that could direct the orphaned boy to his sister or heartbreak.

For fans of Kate DiCamillo’s writings, one aspect of her stories that stands out is their beautiful simplicity, which develops into heartwarming messages of hope. These modern fairy tales draw the reader into these magical worlds while keeping the narrative accessible to children’s hearts without talking down to them. There is a reason why many of her books have been made into films and stage productions since they appeal to their youthful target audience and their parents. This is no different from her 13th book about the ‘impossible’ scenario that centres on an elephant and a boy who wants to find his sister.

Animal Logic provides a beautifully constructed world for this magical tale to unfold upon. The animation is complemented by an exceptionally talented cast of voice talent that includes Jupe, Patinkin, Wong, Miranda Richardson and Brian Tyree Henry; leaving little to distract from this animated treasure. Like most fairy tales, the skeptical viewer will find it hard to believe in the escapades unfolding on the screen. Yet, this is the very thing that DiCamillo attempts to diffuse in her writings. This is a film for all who have lost their ability to see the magic in their lives and are looking for the wonderful child-like innocence of a story to inspire them again.

REEL DIALOGUE: Is it Simple Enough to Believe?

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. -Hebrews 11:1

The imaginative tale of an elephant appearing in a concert hall to reunite a family will have skeptics pulling out their knives to carve up this tale of belief. The driving force behind the messaging of this endearing film boils down to people’s inability to believe. Can merely believing make a difference in people’s lives?

Interestingly, the same question arises when it comes to the considerations of the idea of God. Throughout history, the discussion about God’s existence has been the subject of many conversations, arguments, and wars. A film like The Magician’s Elephant can be dismissed as mere cinematic fluff or child’s fairy tales. Still, it does open the door to a more significant consideration.

Can we believe in something we cannot see or doubt something you do see? Fortunately, society can be made aware of this idea. Faith is at the heart of the biblical narrative. Believe it or not, today might be a good time to consider finding the answers to the faith questions.

If you would like to discuss the issues associated with belief in God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Can these little blue people teach us about purpose?

⭐️ ⭐ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Ever since their initial creation by cartoonist Peyo in 1958, The Smurfs have experienced a resurgence of popularity across generations. There have been numerous films and television shows throughout the years. Yet, there is a need for a reboot every so often and director Chris Miller (Puss in Boots) has been given the task of introducing these little blue creatures to a new generation. 

This new musical adventure focuses on No Name Smurf’s (James Corden) attempt to find his identity within this elf-like community. As he sings his way throughout his search, the village comes under threat by evil wizards led by Razamel (JP Karliak), who is Gargamel’s (Karliak) estranged brother. After Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is pulled into a different dimension, a band of Smurfs led by Smurfette (Rihanna) dives into the various worlds that inhabit various Smurf communities who all hope to assist these mini-warriors on their journey. As they meet each group, they begin to learn the history and their role in the world and how important their adventure is to the survival of multiple dimensions of Smurfs and happiness.

Miller and company take from the Trolls playbook and do their best to introduce new songs to the deepening purpose of this village of blue humanoids. Yet, what becomes a harsh reality early on in this production is that this might be a project of overreach. Despite the simplicity of the Smurfs’ existence, Pam Brady’s screenplay attempts to appeal to both children and adults, incorporating more dimensions than a Christopher Nolan film, yet also causing confusion about the meaning behind the messaging. The overall production features a multitude of characters, making it difficult to determine our location in the world and the story. Most notably, there is a failure to acknowledge children as the intended audience. 

There are a few highlights to look out for if you choose to get along to Smurfs during the holiday season. The first would be James Corden’s song, “Always On The Outside,” which will be on regular repeat in the family vehicle at the beginning of the film. There is an interdimensional montage worth sticking around to see, along with the brief visit to Australia. Finally, Kurt Russell as Papa Smurf’s brother, Ron, adds a fun twist to the tale of this relatively predictable, albeit confusing, storyline. Still, Smurfs might be worth waiting until streaming, as this overly developed adventure will do more to confound viewers than entertain in the end.

Reel Dialogue: Finding A Name And Purpose In Life

One of the central story devices in Smurfs is the search for No Name Smurf’s name and his purpose in life. Granted, magic is surprisingly thrust upon him. Still, he is forced to make the decision to discover his full potential in life.

Many of us desire the ‘action adventure’ we see in many films, even though we probably wouldn’t want to live the life of a Smurf. Yet, this escapism continues to drive Hollywood, and we may even wish for this to occur in our lives on some level.

We are all looking for purpose, and most of us think it is somewhere outside of our grasp. Instead, why not view life as a gift? Each day is an opportunity to live. Why not see the adventure that comes with each new morning amidst the mundane aspects of life? The Bible shows that each day is a gift for us to accept and utilise.

What are you doing with the life you’ve been given?

For to the one who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and reaping, only to give to one who pleases God. – Ecclesiastes 2:26

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

We all need to head back to the Hawaiian islands for one more adventure.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (OUT OF 5 STARS)

As the rollout of Disney live-action treatments of their classic films continues, many may groan at the idea of remaking the 2002 surprise hit Lilo & Stitch. Yet, this unbelievable sci-fi family may translate to the big screen better than recent offerings if the House of Mouse can capture the heart of the original. Especially with the advancements in cinematic technology and animation, this film could shock fans as it becomes the unexpected family film of the season.

For any parents who haven’t had the original film on regular repeat for their children over the past two decades, let’s get you up to speed on the Hawaiian exploits of this furry blue alien. Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders) is the creation of mad-genius Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) who has been arrested for this abomination to the United Galactic Federation council. Yet, during the trial of the scientist and his creature, Stitch manages to escape to the planet Earth and lands on the island of Hawaii. As he is pursued by this creator and Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), a Plorgonarian agent who is an Earth “expert,” the fugitive creature is unexpectedly adopted by a lonely little girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and her sister/guardian, Sydney (Nani Pelekai). The combination turns into an intergalactic refugee story that twists together aliens, government authorities and family that will capture the hearts of new and old fans.

Just as the initial tale captured the imagination of a generation, this live-action version of Lilo & Stitch manages to keep the tradition alive. Granted, audiences will need a certain level of imagination to embrace this crazily destructive little, blue hero, but all will be rewarded for coming along. Children will laugh at all the shenanigans of these two unlikely friends, and parents can relish the trusted family fun unfolding on the big screen. Some scarier elements might make this best for children over five. Still, everyone else who comes along will enjoy the family-centred messaging and the ridiculous combination of science fiction and the beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Some modern twists bring this screenplay into this era. At the same time, the production team keeps to the fundamental core of the story that families have come to love over the years.

All those who have grown sceptical of Disney’s reimagining of these movie favourites might want to give this one a chance. Maia Kealoha is a gem. It embodies the heartfelt nature of Lilo, and the animation supports Stitch coming alive on the sandy island beaches. It is a great beginning to the upcoming season that yearns to welcome families back to the cinemas.

What Do Parents Need to Know About Lilo & Stitch?

Every parent can let out a sigh of relief that Disney has finally stayed true to what made this film a hit. They remain to the storyline that parents can trust to entertain and open the door to amazing conversations with their children. This story is loaded with excellent links to discussions about loyalty, the difference between good and bad, plus the opportunities to talk about the value of family is worth the price of admission.

Great Biblical Support For Talking Points:

Family: Proverbs 22:6: – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Loyalty: Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

For all of the world’s sceptics who wonder why Minecraft has been made into a movie, all you have to do is look at the numbers for your answer.

This procedurally generated, three-dimensional world has become the best-selling video game ever. A big statement that all game developers wish could be said of their game, but with over 300 million copies sold to back up their claim that Minecraft rules the gaming world.

To make a film about this virtual infinite terrain existence makes sense when you look into the numbers. Still, the creative practicalities may prove to be more of a challenge. In the hands of Napoleon Dynamite director, Jared Hess, there may be something worth discovering by fans and those who have never ventured into this cubical realm.

Originally discovered by expert crafter and miner, Steve (Jack Black), this world of building voxels (blocks) becomes a dream world for the man searching for his identity outside the real world. When his dream world comes under threat by Malgosha (Rachel House) and her minions, he sends his trusty wolf, Dennis, off to hide the power that will keep his nemesis from taking over his world. Unwittingly, Steve has put in motion the actions that will bring together Garrett ‘The Garbage Man’ Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), who must help to protect Steve’s world and their own from disaster.

It Helps If You Understand the Game

Three elements of this film become apparent within moments of Jack Black coming on screen that will determine if people will desire to see the unfolding of this story. First, viewers must know the game to engage with what unfolds within this convoluted storyline. As llamas, pigs, sheep, zombies and villagers walk through the fields, only those connected with the gaming platform can appreciate the humour or building blocks of the screenplay. The second prominent aspect that all must be ready to accept is that the Kung Fu Panda actor will take over the next 100 minutes of your life. Granted, Jason Momoa does his best to command the attention of all involved. Still, the reality is that this is Jack Black’s film, and his pint-sized, bearded personality will be the focus of all that is familiar with his talents.

As the building blocks of this review are stacked up, the third piece of this puzzle may not be as apparent. Yet, it is likely the most essential ingredient for audiences to accept and truly embrace this bizarre journey into a square reality beyond their own. This is the Jared Hess factor. For fans of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, the quirky and unique comedy styles that include tater tots (potato gems) and a fascination with 80’s fashion will make this palatable. Those souls willing to embrace this cinematic trifecta should ready themselves for a whimsical journey into this fantasy geometric world. Still, suppose any of these components fail to square with your movie-going preferences. In that case, A Minecraft Movie may not be the welcomed entertainment portal you seek to enter. On the other hand, these might be the very building blocks to pleasure you seek, making this Jack Black film your dream movie.

REEL DIALOGUE: Should we build into our dreams?

A Minecraft Movie may have limited appeal to the devoted fans of the game. Yet, this story builds on the idea of how our dreams shape our lives. As audiences see someone overcoming odds, digging into their imaginations, and achieving their dreams, it does have a profound effect on the spirit of individuals. Even though most of us may never have wanted to play Minecraft, this should not dissuade people from pursuing their dreams.

From a Christian position, goals and dreams are not merely for the individual. The actual source for these pursuits finds its roots in God and his purposes for life. In scriptures like Psalm 139, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, which moves our lives from ordinary to extraordinary—not because of who we are but because of God, the author and director of our lives.

A question that may arise from this film may be about your dreams and pursuits, but how do we discern their origin? The best place to start building the answer is to ask these questions of God through prayer and engaging with the Bible.

If you would like to discuss topics from this film and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.