Liana Liberato in "The Last Sin Eater"
courtesy of Fix Faith Films
"The Spirit of Michael Landon Lives On"

The name of Michael Landon became synonymous with "family entertainment" during his career. After his death many thought his brand of wholesome entertainment might disappear too. But it hasn't. A new movie out on DVD this week is titled "The Last Sin Eater" and it is directed by Michael Landon, Jr. It is as heart-warming and loving as any episode of "The Little House On the Prairie." His dad would be proud.

"The Last Sin Eater" is based on the novel by Christian author Francine Rivers, and is set in Appalachia in the 1850's. That is where Cadi Forbes (Liana Liberato) and her family live. When the movie opens Cadi's grandmother has died. When she is taken to the cemetery to be buried the bell is rung and the "sin eater" is called. This is a tradition the settlers to this area brought with them from Wales.

The sin eater (Peter Wingfield) is neither looked at nor touched by the people in the community. He lives up in the mountains and only comes down when someone dies. Then he supposedly takes their sins unto himself so the deceased can enter Heaven cleansed. Cadi wants the sin eater to take away her sins as she feels responsible for the death of her younger sister Ellen.

The movie follows Cadi's efforts to have her sins forgiven by the sin eater, and later her response to a stranger (Henry Thomas) in the community who tells her that her sins don't have to be taken up by the sin eater. He teaches her the story of Christian salvation.

The movie is about Christian beliefs but this theme allows for an interesting story about the community and how they came to need a sin eater. The movie is a little rough in look and special effects but it still comes across as an earnest film that knows what it wants to say, and does.

It is rare that we get a good western these days but "Seraphim Falls" fills that bill. This movie now out on DVD stars tow of Hollywood's best leading men - Liam Neeson and PIerce Brosnan. They play two men who survived the Civil War but are now sworn enemies.

Carver (Neeson) will pursue Gideon (Brosnan) to hell and back in order to get revenge. It is a take no prisoners effort and God help anyone who gets in the way of this man and his mission of death. It is a death pursuit and it makes for a fascinating western drama.

Another movie about two men is the classic "Becket." This movie, now a special DVD release, was first released in 1964 and presented Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole with two of their greatest roles. Burton stars as Thomas a Becket, the scoundrel appointed by King Henry II (O'Toole) to do his bidding. But then Becket starts to take his duties seriously which causes all kinds of problems for Henry - and ultimately for Becket.

These two stars bicker and battle with a war of words and make this classic entertainment. You have to see it and DVD offers you that option. So get "Becket" and see what great acting entails.

If you enjoyed a TV series or maybe didn't watch it but wanted to, then don't give up. Even if the show has been cancelled or is no longer on the air, a DVD of the season might be available. That is the case with "The War At Home." The show may not have been the largest ratings gatherer but it did have its share of fans.

On "The War At Home: The Complete First Season" focuses on the brutally honest look at life raising kids today. Michael Rappaport and Anita Barone play the parents who know what kids can do because they have been there and done that. In this instance knowledge isn't power but a basis for fear.

For added enjoyment the DVD presents a gag reel as well as a featurette entitled "Living Room Confessions." This is when the cast and crew give you the inside scoop. So get "The War At Home: The Complete First Season" and watch the funny look at family.

A sure fire winner is "Home Improvement: The Complete Sixth Season DVD." Since it left original programming on TV in 1999 the series has only gotten more popular. The DVD of the episodes are must haves. Tim Allen and his "family" are joined this season by such guests as Bob Vila and the Beach Boys.

This was a show with a near perfect cast. Allen and his on screen wife played by Patricia Richardson are a great blend. Throw in Taran Noah Smith, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Zachery Ty Bryan as their sons and the family is complete. But then you also have Richard Karn as Tim's partner Al. What a cast and what a great show.

Don't miss adding "Home Improvement: The Complete Sixth Season DVD" to your collection. You will watch these episodes over and over.

Finally for drama there is "E R: The Complete Seventh Season." This show is still going strong and its episodes are some of the best and most intense drama on television. With the DVD you can watch the episodes back top back with no interruptions. This adds to the drama and the enjoyment of the show.

Plus on the DVD you get a gag reel and some deleted scenes. But the fun is watching Noah Wyle, Ming Na, Maura Tierney and all the rest of the wonderful cast of this show bring the intelligent stories to life. It's another winner!
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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