American Underdog

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-
time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.

The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed
all but out of reach, with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin), and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

 American Underdog is a fantastic film for the family to see together this holiday season. Whether you want to see a film about the formation of a new family and the bonds of love that grow stronger, the faith of a family that chooses to trust God in all circumstances and always ready to share their faith both in private and in public arenas, or you just love watching some amazing football action...American Underdog has something for YOU! Since faith, family, and football are all of interest to me, I was very well pleased when I saw it. It's also based on the true story of a man (Kurt Warner) I have admired for many years.

Frankly, I am also a huge fan of Jon and Andy Erwin and Kevin Downes of Kingdom Story Company. Every film they make is added to my Favorites list. An added bonus for American Underdog is having Dennis Quaid in the film! I also loved seeing Danny Vinson. The film is scheduled to open Christmas Day in theaters across the nation! I highly recommend you make plans to attend opening week as an additional treat. You can BUY TICKETS in advance and avoid long lines.

There is also a 5 day Bible Study on YouVersion from American Underdog. 

Many thanks to Kingdom Story Company for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. There is a GIVEAWAY of 2 Fandango Ticket Codes to American Underdog to the first who enters.

LINKS:

Buy Tickets Here
AmericanUnderdog.movie

KurtWarner.org

IMDb

KingdomStoryCompany.com 

ErwinBrothers.com 

American Underdog on YouVersion 

 

I Can Only Imagine

The story behind the song that went beyond the Christian music charts into the mainstream and brought the group, MercyMe, into prominence in Christian music. The movie is based on the life of musician Bart Millard and the experiences that lead to the writing of the song. Obviously, the film can only touch on a few highlights of his life and career, and J Michael Finley strikes the right note, not only with his amazing musical gift but as an actor portraying Bart Millard. The stand-out for me was Dennis Quaid. I have always been a fan and his performance as an abusive father was outstanding. "I Can Only Imagine" is a film that shows that forgiveness and redemption are always possible and the movie and song tell of the hope many believe in today. There were both tears and laughter from the audience of the sold-out screening I attended and I heard many positive comments. The Erwin Brothers step up their game with each film they make. Congratulations to cast and crew for a job well done.

Mom's Night Out

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms' night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a paper bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for three hours... what could go wrong?

Stars: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, Trace Adkins, Dave Hunt, Andrea Logan White, Robert Amaya, Abbie Cobb, Harry Shum Jr., Alex Kendrick, Anjelah Johnson, Kevin Downes, Manwell Reves, Sammi Hanratti, Jason Burkey, and Brad Heller.  

Mom's Night Out (Affirm Films, Provident Films) is directed by Jon and Andrew Erwin, written by Jon Erwin and Andrea Gyertson Nasfell, and produced by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis, Michael Scott, and David A.R. White. It is distributed by TriStar Pictures.

My Review: Mom's Night Out is one of the most delightful comedies I have seen in years. It was pure joy to sit through a film that was not filled with crude, raunchy, vulgar "humor" or language. I honestly had doubts about even attending; my thoughts were "chick flick" (not a huge fan), the "dad is inept" routine (whose popularity is what led me to quit watching television comedies years ago), and how rare comedy is with faith-based films. I seldom cry or laugh at films, in theaters anyway, but I laughed out loud during much of this film. Best part? I laughed at loud because it genuinely appealed to my sense of humor. Sadly, I have been known to laugh out loud because a film is poorly written or made, but this film is simply funny. 

During the past couple of days, I have read some bad reviews of the film, and I want to address those. The ones I have read have been written by people who apparently attack any film that has Christianity shown in a positive light (and Mom's Night Out is by no stretch of the imagination an evangelical film), stay at home moms (the laments by some of the reviewers about Allyson's lack of employment are a humorous read themselves), and those who actually seem to feel a need for raunchy humor and crude language. I have read a few comments about it being "sexist"; I saw couples I recognize----partners who know that marriage is not 50/50 but 100/100, and that sometimes one needs a bit more support (and it works both ways). Instead of seeing a small slice of life, these reviewers have completely defined people based on one storyline.

I remember having a 'come-apart' a couple of times when a house full of children, especially pre-schoolers, got overwhelming. That is a part of who I am, but not the complete person. Understand what I mean? So, I could completely relate to the film and various characters in it. Some parts edged toward 'screwball comedy', which I happen to love, but sometimes you need to suspend belief for a while. So, take a break, relax, and enjoy!

Loved the film, the writing, the acting...and the location---Birmingham, Alabama!! I highly recommend this film.

Mom's Night Out website
Mom's Night Out on Facebook
Mom's Night Out on IMDb
Buy Tickets

Thanks to Affirm Films for providing me with a ticket to a prescreening via FlyBy Promotions. I was not required to give a review in exchange, but opted to on my own. All opinions are my own.

Ken Davis Fully Alive dvd

The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive

You were born to live Fully Alive!
Yet you may fee like many people who lead lives of quiet desperation. Somewhere along the way the passion that once burned in their souls was smothered. It's time to rekindle the flame. 
With his trademark humor and powerful stories, Ken will share his own journey from lethargic resignation to a new life of adventure, spirtual renewal and health. 
You will see the snapshot that started it all, share in the three hours of terror that changed Ken forever and meet a living fossil on a bicycle. You'll laugh and be inspired to live in the power of Christ's resurrection. 
The path to that life is right here, just waiting for you to take the first step. Join Ken and start living Fully Alive today! (description from ChristianCinema.com)

Last year I read the Fully Alive book, and it really touched me. When I think back on the impetus it gave me to start moving, and live my life more fully and alive...I need to read it again. The film doesn't have quite the same impact for me, but I really did love it. My favorite form of humor is story-telling, and Ken has mastered the art of telling a tale that will have anybody laughing. Yet, there is also a point and message to some of these tales that are moving. Check out Ken's story of how he went from barely living to fully alive at KenDavis.com.

See the first 5 minutes below:

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Visit Ken"s website

Fully Alive  is a Jonathan and Andrew Erwin film. Ken Davis is the executive producer, and produced by Gary Wheeler and Brad Mix.

October Baby

As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.
After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.
Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future.
In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned. (Jon Erwin)

October Baby (directed by Andy and Jon Erwin) is an interesting film from several viewpoints. I got stuck more on the element of it being a surprise to Hannah (Rachel Hendrix) that she was adopted. I can't imagine with-holding that type of information. So, I can understand why Hannah would feel that her life was based on a lie and be angry with her parents (John Schneider, Jennifer Price) . As secrets are unveiled, the lives of each of the people involved in this film do appear to be happier and more fulfillment found...when they were forgiven by others or by themselves.


I am pro-life and I believe life begins at conception. I am appalled at people who can wait further along in a pregnancy to abort a child. I cannot begin to imagine how Hannah felt when she learned that her mom (Shari Rigby) tried to abort her, and then abandoned her after she survived. The trauma of the nurse (Jasmine Guy) when she realized that she had fallen for the lie that a fetus is merely a blob of tissue shows that abortion affects more than just mother and child, but others involved in the process.

Another element of the film I liked was the endearing and enduring friendship Hannah had with Jason (Jason Burkey). I appreciated that that there was not a forced romantic relationship feel to the film, but that we did see the friendship slowly becoming a romance. I thought the elements of friendship, faith, and forgiveness combined well together to make a film that sent out a powerful message.

The Mysterious Islands

The Mysterious Islands is without a doubt one of the most beautifully photographed and informative documentaries I have ever seen. I admit it was with a bit of trepidation that I sat down to watch (not always a doc fan), but I was quickly captivated by the beautiful scenery and the fascinating animals. In no time I was just as quickly engrossed by the insightful dialogue as well-respected researchers gave their reasons for choosing the Biblical account of creation over the theory of evolution.

Filmed in the Galapagos Islands, the "birthplace" of Darwinism, the stunning scenery and the varieties of animals is simply amazing. This is one dvd that I believe will be a hit with every member of the family. Even those too young to listen to the dialogue for long will love watching the activities of the birds, mammals, and reptiles. I think this is a Must-Have for your personal library, whether you are home-schooling or simply want for your child to have a understanding of creationism. There are also several bonus features that only add to the enjoyment of this film, and I must admit the 90 minutes of the main feature kept my rapt attention.

  “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the 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.”