directorianballinger Reviews

Overcomer (2019)

A pleasant surprise

[9/10 · 23 August 2019]

I enjoyed it. Lots of filmmaking techniques utilized here that Kendrick has previously not even touched in his previous films. Lots of mainstream critics are calling it preachy... that's not really fair I dont think. It's a Christian movie for sure, but the film is ultimately about a girl reconnecting with her sickly father and improving on her life choices.

There are consequences to her actions, shes a "strong female character" if you will.

Go see it, it's a pleasant surprise and much less "preachy" than most Christian movies.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Friendship Games (2015)

A welcome addition to the MLP franchise

[1/10 · 27 September 2015]

My initial review of this film might've been a little harsh.. I think I was just a little off put by the short length of it. But... after rewatching it, my opinion has changed. This is probably the best movie of the Equestria Girls series, if only because it establishes its own identity and doesn't rely heavily on the the "Friendship is Magic" show. I like FiM a lot more, but this EqG series does have heart and its own soul. Which, to add on to that, I love how while these human characters are still the counterparts of ponies in Equestria, they still have their own individual personalities.. they're similar but definitely not the same.. their own souls and spirits, etc.

The music is good, which is the norm for a DHX/Vancouver / Hasbro production. The animation is on par with Rainbow Rocks. The acting is on par with the show and the direction from Rudell is great... he does a fantastic job. So I'd love to see a fourth film in the EqG series. If a fourth film was on par or better than these films, I'm sure it'd be a fine film... hopefully they'll try to finally break past the 72 minute mark. I think they need a little more time to flesh these stories and characters out.

Nice job MLP staff. Keep on doing your thing.

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: The Cutie Map - Part 1 (2015) Season 5, Episode 1

A Great Opening to Season 5

[10/10 · 4 April 2015]

This episode did a great job of setting up the stage for Part 2. The town's twisted view on friendship and freedom and individuality is established very well. Got me very excited for Part 2 and it easily, for me at least, is the best season opener of the series. All of the bronies who were speculating whether or not this was an anti-communist episode... I think your speculations are confirmed... even if it wasn't intentional, the episode puts a lot of emphasis on the individuality, personal responsibility-esque values that we should all hold dear to ourselves. This might be my favorite family-oriented show simply because it's not afraid to have a message like this. Love it.

Restoring Love (2012 TV Movie)

I expected haters to spam the rating, but it's a shame they did...

[3/10 · 10 September 2014]

I expected the haters to spam the rating, but it's a shame they did... watching live was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen. How you can dislike a message of love.. loving people regardless of what they believe which is what the message of this was.. how anyone can anyone dislike such a message? The rating is low, currently at least, because it's Glenn Beck saying these words, and that's a shame, because he puts forth a great message. Message aside, the production value and what they were able to do (fill up Cowboys Stadium for this) is great and the soundtrack played along side the speeches is stimulating. Loved it.

Hey Ocean!: Islands (2012 Music Video)

My favorite music video from this band

[10/10 · 6 September 2014]

Hey Ocean's music already carries you away to happy thoughts and feelings... they're just a dang good band, and it's a shame that they aren't more well known. This music video amplified what this band is able to do. You've got to admire what they're able to do on stage, in their music videos, and how they portray themselves in interviews. I was watching Everfree Network's live stream of their brony convention concert in Houston last year... even over a live stream, they practically turn your living room into a concert. This is a very amazing song and a very amazing video. Looking forward to future music and music videos from this band.

Holy Ghost (2014)

A very well made, thought provoking doc

[5/10 · 6 September 2014]

I didn't know much about this documentary going into it. Aside from the promotional videos being released I didn't know what this film was going to be until I saw it. I loved it from beginning to end. Darren Wilson's directing, accompanied by Tony Anderson's beautiful, moving score honestly makes this one of my favorite movies. I really enjoyed it, as a follower of the Christ Jesus it was a very inspiring film, and overall it was just really good filmmaking. Having the perspectives of several different people from many different backgrounds and walks of lives really helped the film... I honestly enjoyed every part of the film. Definitely recommend it to everyone.

Man in the Moon (2013 TV Movie)

One of the most unique productions I've ever seen

[10/10 · 21 June 2014]

I really have nothing negative to say about this production... all of the cast member, including Glenn, who plays The Man in the Moon, put forth good performances, the music is great to listen to, even by itself, and the visuals are amazing.

I hope Glenn does more projects like this in the future, because this was amazing.

The message was good, the storyline was great, and the overall tone and atmosphere was spot on. Mercury Radio Arts, TheBlaze, The American Dream Labs.... these are all very innovative, creative places. They're doing something right. Definitely a production worth checking out for lovers of innovative storytelling.