Friday, October 25, 2024

Lost on a Mountain in Maine

Lost on a Mountain in Maine - The inspiring 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 of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again. 

Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters starting November 1st! Tickets

Watch the trailer:

 


My Review: This is a wonderful film for the family to watch! A true story from July 1939, 12 year old Donn Fendler Jr. along with his twin brother and their younger brother, went with their father to hike Mount Katahdin in Maine. Due to bad weather, Mr. Fendler, the guide, and 2 of the boys turned back, but Donn stubbornly moved forward, eventually losing sight of the trail markers. This recount of his remarkable journey alone, without food or adequate clothing, for nine days is almost too incredible to be true. Yet his disappearance captured the attention and prayers of the nation and has been taught to Maine schoolchildren for decades. I was drawn into the story and hope to see this film become a classic.

There were a few instances of mild language during interviews of actual people who were interviewed, but barely noticeable. I loved the documentary style these interviews gave to the film. I especially love the actual black and white footage included at the end. All of the actors were wonderful, but I especially enjoyed Paul Sharp as Donn Feldner Sr.

(On a side note, I saw Paul Sharp's name listed on a video clip from "The Crown" on YouTube last night. His performance as Rev. Billy Graham was outstanding! I will be watching for more of his films.)

LINKS:

Website

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Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card (limited to US winners only).
Please submit your full name and email address by 11/2/24.

Disclaimer: Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

BONUS: Donn Fendler reflects on the 75th anniversary of his being ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine’


Friday, October 11, 2024

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 

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Thursday, October 10, 2024

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

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Friday, October 4, 2024

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.