Thursday, September 18, 2025

Dot Conner: Webtective

DOT CONNER: WEBTECTIVE is the family mystery adventure movie you've been waiting for!

Internet sleuth (or "webtective") Dot Conner (Gili Gould) receives a cryptic phone call from her father (Drew Waters) on the eve of her first day of high school, plunging her into an adventure she never expected to face. As Dot navigates the rocky start of her high school life, she uncovers the first of many clues her father has left behind, setting her on an urban treasure hunt with friends Makayla (Lauren McCardell) and Alex (Ethan Pogue). Their quest leads them through the city, crossing paths with dangerous Russian thugs as they go. What begins as a search for her father quickly unravels into a much larger mystery, revealing his deep involvement in the world of espionage. Amid the chaos, Dot discovers the truth of Philippians 4:13, proving that even in the darkest times, faith can light the way.

 Dot Conner: Webtective opens in theaters on Sept. 19th. Find theaters and Buy Tickets at dotconner.com/tickets. Watch trailer below:


MY REVIEW: I enjoyed it. While the primary audience would likely be 8-12 years old, Dot Conner: Webtective can definitely be enjoyed as a Family Movie Night/Matinee film. When i was younger, I loved Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, The Hardy Boys, and any other mystery series that involved kids my age or a bit older. Dot Conner: Webtective would easily fit into that genre. 

There are foes to face ranging from a "mean girl" to "Russian thugs" but these bad guys would probably feel at home on a episode of "Scooby Doo" or "Rocky and Bullwinkle." The tense moments don't last too long, but add enough excitment to build suspense on how the heroes will escape and defeat their enemies. The main two thugs (Jason Marsden, John Brady) also are the comic relief; they made me laugh several times. 

Dot and her 2 best friends are great role models for kids and I loved how internet safety tips were easily shared in a manner that children and tweens won't feel like they are getting a lecture. The Bible was also freely discussed with friends and family. There is definitely a need for more faith-based entertainment for the intended age group. Dot Conner: Webtective takes faith, fun, friends, family, and just enough fear to make a wholesome film that also entertains. 

I recommend taking your family to the theater this weekend to enjoy this good movie together. I know many of my favorite childhood memories was seeing a movie with my family! Learn more & buy tickets at DotConner.com

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard.
Please submit your full name and email address by 9/24/2025.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Huff Media Productions and Pangea Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:

Get Tickets 

DotConner.com

FB: @webtective 

IG: @webtective 

X: @webtective 

IMDb

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

GROW trailer

As Autumn approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to... pumpkins! A new film involving pumpkins is coming to theaters October 3 to help celebrate "Pumpkin Season." It's time to  GROW ! 

Synopsis: Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), a no-nonsense farmer living in the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). However, the annual pumpkin-growing contest reveals that Charlie has a special knack that increases the competition with the rival growers, and also grows a bond with between aunt and niece. A seed grows from a hilarious competion into a new bond with this newly formed family of two. 

Fall plans just got bigger with the news that GROW is releasing in theaters starting October 3. Get Tickets: GROW Tickets!

Watch the trailer & Share to help #GrowTheFilm get bigger!


*This is a family movie, but not necessarily faith-based, and there are minor sexual innuendos.

LINKS

Get Tickets

Facebook @GrowtheFilm

Instagram @growthefilm

TikTok @growthefilm 

YouTube @GrowTheFilm

IMDb



Saturday, September 13, 2025

NKJV Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Few preachers in the 19th century rivaled​ Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors​,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers​ of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical​ insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as​ you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published​ sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply​ the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:  

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ,and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references 

 

Watch this video of Philip Nation with Thomas Nelson Bibles. You can purchase a copy for yourself at Thomas Nelson Bibles or Amazon


MY REVIEW: The first thing I noticed, of course, was the outward appearance. I love the 2 tone black and gray cover and the textured cover added to my initial positive impression. 

The inside is what really matters, though, and I am also pleased with the layout and the additional features. The introductions to each chapter provide needed context. I also loved both the Christ Connection and the Life Application notes, as well as the Passage Outlines.. I also found the footnotes very helpful when I used this Bible with my Sunday School lesson. There's an excellent concordance and several useful maps. 

The only things that weren't as favorable apply to my personal preferences. The print is a wonderful size for MOST people. I had no problems reading it, but I would have preferred it just a little bit larger; my eyes are feeling the effects of growing older. 

Narrow margins don't leave much room for note-taking. If you don't write in your Bible, not a problem. However, I do like to make notes if a scripture holds a significant meaning to me. Since wider margins and larger font would add to the size of this Bible, it isn't always practical. As is, it's an excellent Bible and I highly recommend getting a copy for yourself.
*****************

Giveaway: 1 copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible.

Please submit your full name email address, and mailing address (to protect your privacy: cindynavarro713@gmail.com) by 9/18/25.

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

BUYING LINKS:

AMAZON

THOMAS NELSON

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.






Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Light of the World

LIGHT OF THE WORLD is a beautiful. 2D-animated story of Jesus as told through the eyes of his young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, this film powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today!

It’s AD 30 and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure.

The movie opens on September 5th, and it is one that your family is sure to enjoy. Part of the success comes with how well it does in theaters on opening weekend. If you have a group or 10 or more, you can get a discount on the tickets! BUY TICKETS NOW!

See the trailer:


My Review: This first-time film by the Salvation Poem Project about the life of Jesus Christ will truly be a wonderful Family Movie Event for your entire family. Going back to 1990's style of 2D-animation will bring a sense of nostalgia for parents, and capture the attention of children. Directed by John Schafer, who produced Superbook, and long-time Disney animator Tom Bancroft, the visuals are excellent. 

With The Greatest Story Ever Told as the subject, this is perfect for those who are teaching their kids about Christianity and our faith in Jesus as our Savior. The disciples are younger in this movie, and the youngest disciple John is portrayed as an older child or young teenager. I love that this is more likely to appeal to the kids in the family (and follows the beliefs of many that the disciples were in their teens and twenties). It's a very good conversation opener to explain more about Jesus. This would also make an excellent outing for a Children's Ministry. I enjoyed the film and hope to see more in the future from those involved. 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard. Please submit your full name and email address by 9/11/25.

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

Watch this interview with Jean Thomason (Momentum Influencer Network) and Light of the World Producer Brennan McPherson


LINKS

LightOfTheWorld.com

Tickets

Instagram

LOTW Facebook

Salvation Poem Project Facebook 

X

Salvation Poem Project TikTok