Movie Review: Ben-Hur A Race to Glory

The girls and I have enjoyed watching CCC of America's Ben-Hur: A Race to Glory over the past several weeks.  The movie has elements of excitement, faith and best of all, educational value.  At just 30 minutes long, this movie manages to get across the same powerful message as the well known epic motion picture Ben-Hur starring Charlton Heston.  

I was amazed at how well this animated film mirrored Ben-Hur.  From the tile falling off the roof, to Ben-Hur encountering Christ on multiple occasions this film presents that same amazing story line on a level that children will take to heart.  And best of all, it's a short film so your children won't lose interest half-way  through the story.

Observant children will recognize Jesus when he gives the thirsty Ben-Hur a drink of water, and again when he speaks to the crowd.  My nine year old pointed out that one of the scenes must have been Palm Sunday because Jesus is seen riding into the city on a donkey colt.  I was impressed that she picked up on that detail.

The exciting chariot races that many associate with the movie Ben-Hur are also in the animated version.  My five year old was on the edge of her seat the first few times she watched this film waiting to see how it would turn out.  She even picked up on the roman numerals being used during the race.  So this film also provided us with a learning opportunity.

This film has the ability to appeal to both boys and girls.  My five and nine year old daughters enjoyed watching this film and so did I.  I suspect most children between three to ten would be happy to sit and watching this exciting DVD.

I was provided with a complimentary review copy of this DVD by the publisher, CCC of America in exchange for my honest review.  For more information on Ben-Hur: A Race to Glory visit CCC of America.

Movie Review: Francis Xavier and the Samurai's Lost Treasure

My children and I recently had the pleasure of watching Francis Xavier and the Samurai's Lost Treasure.  Not knowing much about Francis Xavier, we all stood to learn something from this half hour long animated feature.

In this film we get to hear the story of Francis Xavier told by the characters St. Ignatius Loyola and the grandfather of some very interested children.  The story beings with St. Ignatius and Francis Xavier being roommates at school.  Upon first impressions, you may being to wonder why the story is about such a spoiled character, but soon enough the viewer will realize that Xavier ultimately has a change of heart and sets his sights on winning the world for Christ.

The majority of this film focuses on Xavier's adventures as a Jesuit missionary.  First he goes to India where he helps a village of pearl divers and converts them to Christianity.  Then he travels to Japan where he encounters more exciting adventures.  Xavier's faith and courage saved many whom he encountered.

My daughters liked this film but I think it will mostly appeal to boys.  There's action, adventure, pirates and samurais packed into this half hour feature.

For more information on Francis Xavier and the Samurai's Lost Treasure, visit CCC of America.  Be sure to check out their fan page on Facebook, too.

I was provided with a review copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest review.