Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Ring The Bell

Ring The Bell is the story of a sports agent, Rob Decker (Ryan Scharoun) who lives for his work and how to make money. When challenged by his assistant (Trenell Mooring) to get out into the field and personally sign a high school baseball superstar, Shawn Hart (Craig C. Stewart), Rob accepts what he believes will be an easy deal. But, when Rob becomes stranded in the small town the people begin to give Rob a new way to view things. Content with the simple things of life, and more interested in God's plan for their lives over fame and fortune, Daisy (Ashley Anderson McCarthy), and her brother Scooter (Casey Bond)--- who own the boys home where Shawn lives--- really open his eyes to another set of values. Will Rob respond to the desire to let God in his life?

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.


This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

DVD Special Features:

The Heart of "Ring the Bell"
Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video

On Set with Casting Crowns
Famous Faces

A Very Special Movie

Ringing the Bell

The Artists and Music of "Ring The Bell"

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


Overall, I enjoyed the film. Some of those involved are clearly more comfortable being onscreen as an actor than others, but no one was just horribly bad. I also grew tired of some of the more extreme quirkiness of a couple of the characters. I realize that it is standard to have those characters populate all small towns in films, but sometimes they go a bit beyond quirky. These complaints, however, are trivial matters in my overall impression of the film.
 
The story line was good and was presented in a way that is palatable to most. There is no blood, violence, bad language, etc. to make it unacceptable for family viewing. The gospel is presented, but I feel this is more a film that gives the viewer a look at how following Christ has made an impact on the lives of the characters who are believers. Most of the people I know live out their faith like these people, so it was all familiar to me. Would I show this film to family and friends who are not believers? Yes, especially those who love music and/or baseball. I also recommend it to people who are believers and want to watch a Christian worldview film that both entertains and demonstrates the validity of living out their faith and following God's will. Btw, I LOVED the whole concept of "ringing the bell"!! It is a perfect example of Matthew 10:32-33.

Website:  Ring The Bell (the movie)
Watch the Trailer: Ring The Bell
Facebook: Ring The Bell

 GIVEAWAY: FlyBy Promotions has a copy in their office to mail to one of my readers. Please leave a comment on the blog post to be entered. You must be entered no later than 10pm, Thursday, May 9, 2013 to be eligible.

8 comments:

Sharon Wilharm said...

Thanks for the review. The trailer looked good and I was wondering about it. I love the concept of ringing the bell.

Curious, what kind of quirky characters populate small town films? Like Fannie's hillbilly relatives?

Cindy Navarro said...

Sharon, I loved those hillbillies!! :)
It just seems that too many films only have odd people. Having lived in many small towns, there is some validity to that POV (lol) but everyone can't be offbeat. One character just seemed more in need of a caretaker than a person who could single-handedly run a business. She just needed toned down a notch or 2...in my opinion.

Debra Brown said...

You know how much my family loves baseball!! I also love a good faith-based family film.

Glogirl said...

Sounds like a great family friendly movie! I'd love to be entered if this giveaway is open to Canada.

ajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com

Cindy Navarro said...

I did just double-check the email I got on the giveaway and it IS open to International.

Stacey Bradshaw said...

Can I enter to win another DVD? This one looks and sounds really great! :-)

Cindy Navarro said...

Before I forget, I had 3 more who wanted to be added, but were either away from computers or had difficulty logging in: Ben Robinson, Jason Michael, & Zac Burton. Winner will be announced bt noon May 10th.

Cindy Navarro said...

Ben Robinson is the winner! Congrats!

PS:
I wish I had enough for everyone. :/