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Samuel the Lamanite (2006)
Perhaps the best Christmas movie ever, but not really a Christmas movie at all
Samuel the Lamanite is my daughter's favorite movie in the whole world, and it definitely ranks in my top ten. Like the rest of the fabulous Liken series, a very serious and touching message is conveyed through a mixture of much delightful silliness and much wonderful music.
Only a few movies have the ability to make me cry tears of joy every single time I watch it, without fail. This is one of those movies. It asks important questions, such as "What is really important to stand up for?" and answers them powerfully.
The historical story of Samuel the Lamanite is told accurately, though from the point of view of a kid's imagination. This means that not everything looks or sounds just like it did anciently. This is a big advantage because it allows for much subtle (and not so subtle) humor.
The musical numbers and dancing are very good, especially the Nephite Archery Corps' song and "The Time Has Come", as well as the song at the very end. I also enjoy "All's Well in Zion" and the Mariachi number "Another Year."
The bad guys have the best leading roles in this movie. I especially enjoyed the performances of George Dyer as Nimrod / Dr. Dormin and Clayton Vance as the leader of the N.A.C. Both managed to be very convincing and yet still support the lighthearted tone of the movie. Lauren Faber and Frank Gerrish also really stand out as Amelia and her butler.
Samuel the Lamanite can be considered a Christmas story, since it involves the birth or Christ, but it is really much more than that. It is a story of love and faith, and standing up for what is right. Our family watches and enjoys this movie all year round. Watching it on Christmas day is just an extra bonus.
David & Goliath (2005)
This musical is pure genius
David & Goliath maintains and even exceeds the high standards found throughout Lightstone's Liken series. It combines the whimsy and humor of Veggie Tales, the musical genius and great performances of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and some very touching moments that will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.
Kids will enjoy this movie (mine love it), but it is not really a kids' movie. The movie explores the contrast between the anguish of King Saul, who is no longer following God's commands, with young David, who is. The dynamic between these two is very well portrayed by Daniel Beck and Spencer Forsey. In addition we see the contrast between Goliath, who relies on physical strength and prowess, and David, who relies on God.
My wife and I love to listen to David and Saul's duet, and later David's bold song as he comes to challenge Goliath. But not all songs are serious. When David proposes that he be sent to fight Goliath, we get a real toe-tappin' dixieland jazz number "Give me just one chance to prove he's just a man."
Thurl Bailey makes a fantastic Goliath. His main musical number, "I am Goliath" is both dramatic and beautiful. You almost hate to see him go down when David fights him. But be prepared for an unexpected twist toward the end of the movie.
The story is told from the point of view of a kid's imagination, allowing fun gags like David encountering a modern orchestral harp before the harp size is corrected in the kid's mind. Even so, this movie keeps very well to the true history of King David's early years, deviating in only one or two minor ways.
Everything is handled completely tastefully, including the Philistines' challenge and David's battle with Goliath, so parents will feel completely comfortable with their kids enjoying this movie. Only you may have to stop them after the 50th viewing and suggest they watch something different this time...