Movie Review: Beyond the Mask

First movie review I've ever done on here. Should I be nervous? How does one even do a movie review? But then again, this was the first time I'd been to the theater in ten years, and it was awesome (except for when I spilled a ton of popcorn). I got to go see "Beyond the Mask" in theaters. It was really, really cool.

So here's what I thought... (I think I'll just do it the way I do the books.)

The Setting:
I loved the adventuresome setting of the Revolutionary War because of the heroism and gorgeous costumes! (Except for the villain's dorky dressing gown and wig. That was weird. I should put that in with what I thought was humorous because I nearly laughed out loud when I saw him.) ; ) Everything looked awesome and period to me (except for one short scene and a definitely animated shipyard). I told my dad afterwards that he would have loved the explosions since they were very realistic. ; )

The Story:
The story was great! (Maybe a teeny straightforward at some points.) Full of adventure with a great Christian worldview/message that salvation is not something we can earn. I loved the unexpected twist of the false redemption (I'll say no more) and all the daring escapes. My two favorite scenes were a chase across the rooftops of Philadelphia and when a dock railing breaks. ; )

The Characters:
I loved the characters. Sir Thomas Kemp was an intimidating and complicated bad guy (If you could get over the fact that you felt like he should welcome you to Abingdon Falls), Will was both tragic and heroic, and Charlotte was a sweet and daring heroine. (And I just loved her costumes!) The best character, as far as humor goes, was Benjamin Franklin. Boy, was he awesome!!

The Concerns:
Parents should have caution while considering this movie for younger viewers because of some intense action (i.e. children in danger, things on fire, etc.), implied violence (but nothing super graphic), and romantic scenes including kissing. A few themes that might cause interesting discussion are being careful to use your head even when you are in love and whether or not it is all right to rebel against authority doing evil.

Altogether, I found it a very fun, very awesome Christian movie! I'm very grateful to have seen it! Have you seen "Beyond the Mask"? What did you think of it?

(Hello, it's now a year later, and I've had to update this a little since I just watched it again. It was even better this time! I highly suggest you watch it!!! And just a cute random fact--the two lead characters are now married!!) ; )