Average Joe

"Average Joe" is based on the true story of high school football coach, Joe Kennedy. For most of his life, Joe had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.
 

In theaters now! BUY TICKETS!

MY REVIEW: I remember the many news stories about the case of the high school coach being fired for praying, so I already had a high interest in watching this story. What I did not expect was the touches of humor that brought this story to another level for me. Eric Close and Amy Acker give stellar performances as Joe and Denise Kennedy, in both the comedy and the drama. Since their story began in childhood, all of the actors who portrayed Joe and Denise throughout the years are excellent actors.

The abuse that Joe and Denise suffered and witnessed from childhood gives a deeper look at what they endured to become adults with strength to endure a battle and the moments of doubt. "Average Joe" is a film that I highly recommend to teens and adults. Younger viewers will not follow the story as well. Director Harold Cronk and writer Stephanie Katz are to be commended for this film.

Buy tickets today to see Average Joe in theaters!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card. Please submit your name and email address no later than 10/17/2024 to be entered. Note: This is limited to US winners only.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Links:

Get Tickets

AverageJoeMovie.com 

Instagram

Facebook 

X 

YouTube

IMDb

Lost on a Mountain in Maine trailer

"Lost on a Mountain in Maine" is the incredibly true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds ofvolunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again.

Based on the book by Donn Fendler, this film adaptation is produced by Sylvester Stallone, directed by Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger, and Luke Paradise wrote the screenplay. The cast includes Luke David Blumm (Donn Fendler), Paul Sparks (Mr. Fendler), Caitlin FitzGerald (Mrs. Fendler), Griffin Wallace Henkel, and Ethan Slater.

Watch the trailer:

The film is scheduled for release on November 1, 2024. It is rated PG for mild language, thematic elements, peril, and some injury elements.

LINKS:
lostonamountaininmainemovie.com

X 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Facebook - Blue Fox Entertainment

YouTube 

White Bird

WHITE BIRD is now in theaters! The next chapter from the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind." After being expelled from school due to his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren). After she shares the story of her childhood attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France, Julian is transformed by the tales of heroic and compassionate neighbors in the midst of unfathomable cruelty of others. Directed by Marc Forster, WHITE BIRD reminds us to be brave and choose kind.

Buy tickets today to see White Bird in theaters! BUY TICKETS

See the trailer:

MY REVIEW: This film brings a poignant reminder of how there are still kind and compassionate people willing to risk their lives for others. On the flip side, we're also reminded of the cruelty of people who become inflamed by hatred based on bigotry. Do you need to have seen "Wonder" to follow the story? No.

I believe this is the first film I have watched about Nazi-occupied France, so it was a slightly different angle for me. The story kept my interest and is suitable for kids as young as 12, in my opinion. There are violent scenes, but nothing too graphic. Not only is it a conversation starter about world history, but a teaching moment about choosing to be kind despite the chaos and short tempers of people around you (and online). I do recommend seeing this film while it's in theaters.

Website: Whitebird.movie

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card
(US winners only.) Please submit your full name and email address by 10/14 via comment or message.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

White Bird Tickets Available Now

WHITE BIRD is the next chapter from the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind."

Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. "White Bird," from director Marc Forster, reminds us to be brave and choose kind.

White Bird will be open in theaters on October 4th and tickets are available NOW! Click on this link to purchase your ticket. Group Tickets are also available!
 

Check out the #BeBraveChooseKind Roundtable Discussion with Andrew Erwin and our friends Hailey Julia, Joe Navarro, Jacob Petersen, and Julia Petersen!

 LINKS:

Website : whitebird.movie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitebirdmovie

Tickets https://tickets.whitebird.movie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitebirdmovie

X: https://x.com/whitebirdmovie

Watch the trailer:

 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever trailer

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be releasing in theaters on November 8th.

I remember seeing the version in the 1980s and I am super-excited to see this version directed by Dallas Jenkins! It's sure to become an annual Christmas classic!

Links:

bestchristmaspageantever.movie

Facebook.com/BestChristmasPageantEverMovie 

Instagram.com/BestChristmasPageantEverMovie

Youtube.com/@kingdomstorycompany 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust

"God's Not Dead: In God We Trust" is the 5th movie in the faith-based GOD'S NOT DEAD franchise.

Synopsis: "In God We Trust" is set amid political and spiritual turmoil. When an incumbent unexpectedly dies weeks before an election, Reverend David Hill (David A.R. White) is persuaded to run for Congress. Battling against Peter Kane (Ray Wise), who aims to erase religion from policy, David's fight becomes a beacon of hope and optimism for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.

The film stars David A. R. White, Isaiah Washington, Dean Cain, Samaire Armstrong, Ray Wise, Scott Baio, Charlene Tilton, with guest appearances by Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsboys, plus Kevin Downes, Brad Heller, and Paul Kwo. Vance Null is the director and the writer is Tommy Blaze. "God's Not Dead: In God We Trust" opens in theaters September 12th. BUY TICKETS HERE!

My Review: I enjoyed it. Using the same premise as the previous 4 movies, this story can be ripped from current headlines. The movie is more 'good vs bad' than reality, but the makers know their core audience. Not everyone is going to like or agree with the story being told but many will find it encouraging and inspirational. "In God We Trust" takes a serious story, but tells it with touches of comedy that I find appealing. I also like seeing some of the same characters as well as the introduction of new ones. It's not a documentary on American politics, but it opens the door to a conversation that we should be having, especially among Christians. How involved should we be in choosing our leaders? Should Christians stay out of politics? It's a question we must ask ourselves. Do you believe your voice and values should be heard?

Don't miss your chance to witness the inspirational and powerful story of
"God's Not Dead: In God We Trust" in theaters! Experience the faith, hope, and triumph of this film and be moved by the message to stand up and be heard in the public square.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:

Website

Buy Tickets

Instagram

Facebook

X

YouTube

IMDb 

TikTok

 

BONUS VIDEOS:
Newsboys - "In God We Trust"

Jean Thomason’s interview w/ female lead, Samaire Armstrong:

LIFE IN CHRIST Bible

God has a purpose for your life in this moment. You have a part to play in what He is doing in the world. But knowing why you are here starts with knowing who God says you are. The Life in Christ Bible invites you to embrace your identity and purpose as you.

Order your copy of The Life in Christ Bible today!

 

• Discover why you matter-not because of anything you do, but because you are made in the image of God.
• Explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you a new person.
• Learn how who God says you are changes how you think, speak, work, and move through the world.

REVIEW: The NKJV Life in Christ Bible is an average-sized Bible that is packed with information to bring added clarity with maps, a topical index, charts and tables, "30 Days of Getting to Know God," "30 Days of Getting to Know Jesus," and the words of Jesus are written in red. I saw a description given on one site: "Discover who God says you are—and who Christ makes you to be—from the pages of Scripture." I love that! I also loved the "My Identity In..." sections. These are available throughout this Bible, but also as part of each chapter info section.

As a Pro and Con opinion, I would like more note-taking space. HOWEVER, if additional space was included, the Bible would weigh more and be more awkward for handling to read. Spiral-bound notebooks are inexpensive, so that works well. And there is room to write less-detailed notes. I do recommend the Bible and there are choices of covers available.

Order Bible Link

Giveaway: 1 copy of The Life in Christ Bible
Submit your full name and full mailing address by 9/12. (Let me know HERE in Comment Section if you prefer to Private Message or Email that info.)

Disclosure: Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.