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Juno
Toycen’s Comments: This film still has me thinking. I struggled with how casual it was about many things including sex, but I appreciated its exploration of themes like human life, honest relationships, and courage. It makes a fascinating attempt to be a voice for teenagers of today. The main character is a pregnant teenager like I’ve never seen. Her wit, observation and emotional maturity are clever, though it occasionally feels like an older writer is putting words into the mouth of a 16-year-old, who was played by a 20-year-old. Nevertheless, Juno is a powerful piece of filmmaking. Probably not for family viewing.
Awards: Academy Award Winner for Best Original Screenplay; nominated for three others.

The Second Chance
Toycen’s Comments: This DVD has a message for churches. To “do” the Gospel, you have to connect with the needs of the poor. Musician Michael W. Smith makes his acting debut as the son of a successful American mega-church pastor. He is his father’s expected successor, but life gets in the way. While the story is somewhat predictable and the production values are limited, it’s worth seeing. Provokes good discussion about the responsibility of churches to the disadvantaged in society.
Awards: Won 2005 Christian WYSIWYG Film Festival Best Feature Film.

War Dance
Toycen’s Comments: This documentary features three teenagers abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda. Upon their release, they return to a camp for internally displaced people and attend a school that has entered Uganda’s National Music Competition, the most prestigious competition of its kind. The documentary tells the story of these former child soldiers including their participation in the competition. In the end, it's a joyous and uplifting film and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Awards: Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature.

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