They Grow Up Fast

Released in conjunction with Samaritan Ministries, filmmaker Darren Doane's documentary is similar to the works of dogged docu-diarists such as Ross McElwee and Doug Block but drained of their neuroses and negativity, and instead presented with cheery spiritual uplift. Doane, a video-production specialist for the music industry, here draws on high-end home movies of 10 years in the life of his adorable growing family, beginning with the birth of his first daughter. In the manner of a series of slick if also homey music-infused TV ads, his narrative-lite film celebrates familiar rituals such as “pizza night” and road trips, as well as moving from one California home to another. Finally, with four offspring, the filmmaker and his wife relocate to an idyllic Idaho farm. Along the way, Doane offers life lessons, including ancient truisms about fatherhood making one grow up and confront adulthood, savoring the little moments while also adopting a carpe diem attitude, and creativity as an act of honoring God. Christian-oriented collections will find it a heartwarmer, even though the Good News it brings in non-preachy fashion is also fairly familiar. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)