#15 - The Encounter 2 - Paradise Lost

Summary: This movie came out in early 2012, but only arrived in Aust recently (through Koorong). Encounter 2 is the sequel to "The Encounter" (strangely enough), which came out a couple of years ago. Basically, the plot basically involves a drug smuggler (& his partner), and the Federal agent who wants to kill the main guy (instead of simply arresting him), due to a personal vendetta against him. Enter a man who claims he is Jesus (played by veteran actor, Bruce Marchiano, who played Jesus in the original movie), who offers people help with dealing with all their individual issues, He offers redemption and salvation, since He is in fact, the Christ, Son of the living God.

Background: Set on a Thai island (was actually made entirely in Thailand), on an island resort. Introduction to the movie sets the tone with US Federal agent, Rick, very determined to catch his man, Bruno, drug runner, wanting to put his criminal days behind him. Very beautiful setting (entirely different to the 1st movie).

My verdict: The Encounter 2 started out like an action movie, then changed after half an hour, to Jesus talking to individual characters. For me, it was confusing in what direction that movie was going (action or drama?). Some scenes in the movie e.g. involved flashbacks of some of the characters' lives, went longer than necessary. The 1st encounter movie set a high standard, so some weaker parts of this movie stood out clearer e.g. when Jesus talked to individuals, tended to shut out shots of any other characters in the room. Having said all that, the way 'Jesus'(acted by the same actor who played Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew) explains peoples' issues e.g. unforgiveness, bitterness, and how they can get freedom from that through trusting in God (& Him - Christ). Bruce Marchiano is really the star of the movie (even though the veteran actor of Christian movies, David AR White, gets a good run as the agent). He tries to convey the passion and heart of Jesus for every person. In recent interviews, Bruce really believes that this is what Jesus is really about, and tries to express this in movies where he plays Him.

Notable quotes:

"Ï'm Jesus. I'll never tell you that you are not hurting, when you really are".

Highlights:

Jesus talking to characters individually, bringing up some 'home truths', and offering them hope and grace.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Summary:  Hard to beat the first Encounter movie and runs in a few different directions - but Bruce Marchiano is still 1st class at playing Jesus.

#13 - The Encounter

Summary: This movie is a great movie about 5 people from different backgrounds who are brought together to a diner for 1 night, and all their lives are challenged by the manager, a man who claims to be 'Jesus' (will refer to Him as Jesus in this review, even though we know Jesus was played by an actor). This man challenges all of them to look to Him for help for their difficulties in their lives. The man playing Jesus is Bruce Marchiano, a great actor who in real life is a Christian, also playing Jesus in "the Gospel according to Matthew" (a drama portraying Jesus from the book of Matthew). This movie is directed by David A.R. White, an actor of many Christian/faith movies in the last 15 years, this is his first film as director.

What's it all about:  a great movie explaining apologetics, defending the Christian faith, in Jesus' interactions with each member of the group - a self made business man (for any USA pro-wrestling fans, Steve "Sting" Borden), a married couple who were considering divorce, a single lady in an unhealthy relationship, and a young teenage runaway). They all have questions about their lives, and one at a time, Jesus gently shares His wisdom, gradually revealing Himself more to them, as the movie progresses. He does this with a gentle humour, yet speaks with love and truth.

Quote: when one of the group comments that his name, Jesus (on his name badge) was a 'nice name, religious". Jesus says," it doesn't have anything to do with religion, it was my Father's idea";

 - "I'm sorry, all I serve here is water (Jesus);"

 - "I know all of you. I've known you since before you were born. And I've got a plan for you, a perfect plan, all you have to do, is believe in me".
- "What'll it be? Menu or special order?"

Highlights: * Jesus' subtle humour e.g. shows his driver's license with a picture of himself playing Jesus in "..Matthew"
* each person coming to the realisation (little miracles along the way helps) that the man in the diner is actually Jesus who loves them and wants to help them.
* Jaci Velasquez (one of favourite singers back in the 90's when she was a teenager), in one of her first acting roles
* learning of each person's past and how God was working in their lives
* Jesus persisting in getting to the heart issues of one of the group, who was resisting Him.

Rating : 9 out of 10

Final review: All believers have all wondered at one time or another what would Jesus be like if he walked amongst us today. Bruce Marchiano is wonderful in portraying Jesus in all the ways I imagined him to be. I have found in my walk with God, it helps sometimes to picture Jesus in those difficult times. This is a great movie for this.

#11 - "Grace & Favour Seminar" by Joseph Prince

Summary: This is a recording of 2 nights of a seminar (2 DVD's) of brilliant teaching by the 'prince of grace' - Joseph Prince, from his visit to Hillsong church in Sydney (Australia) in 2007. This is, in my opinion, the best teaching on grace, that I have ever heard. The first DVD is called, "Jesus' gift of righteousness is made us heir of the world", and 2nd DVD is called, " Boast Of The Lord's love for you, not your love For Him". (There are CD's available for this seminar, and they include other messages not on these DVD's). According to ''Wikipedia', this seminar launched Joseph Prince's ministry internationally (He is only going to the US to preach for the 1st time at the end of October 2011- Joel Osteen's church in Texas)


What's it all about: Joseph Prince, a brilliant pastor of 'New Creation Church' in Singapore, preaches from his heart about grace. This has good shots of people in the congregation (crowd), and their reactions to Joseph's message (and jokes!).  


How long: Both messages are about 1 hr 20 mins long (probably good for 2 nights in a small group for each DVD - Total 2 hr 43mins)


Where available - Christian bookstores, Joseph Prince website, www.ourchurchbookstore.com.au


Notable quotes: DVD 1 - "Right believing produces right doing and right living"; "faith has (for some people) become a work (but) it is nothing more than seeing Jesus"; "Thank God, I am righteous by faith, by the blood of Jesus, not by my performance".


DVD 2 - "God's grace will teach people to deny ungodliness. Grace is a wonderful teacher"; "focus on the Lord's love for you, not your love for Him"; "good things happen to those who believe that God loves them".  


Highlights: Joseph's illustrations on the believer changing from being a slave from sin to a slave of righteousness (Disc 1); also talking about John - 'the disciple whom Jesus loves" (Disc 2)


Rating: 10 out of 10


Final summary: Wow - this DVD has honestly made more impact in my life than any other - it has changed my life and helped me to break out of the bondage of religion. I would recommend it to anyone - even if they don't believe in Jesus, to see the reality and simplicity of the life of Jesus, showing us the grace of God. Buy it (or loan it from me) and let the completeness of Jesus'work on the cross sink in deep in your heart. You'll be set free !! (John 8:32)




* Please note - the trailer below relates to the 6 CD's recorded of Joseph Prince's messages at this conference - my review above is of 2 of these messages on DVD *