Hidden Secretsis an ensemble castfilm that reminds me a lot of The Big Chill. When several old friends gather for a long weekend to attend the funeral of a beloved friend, the old memories, new lifestyles and rigid attitudes cause conflict among them and jealousies to surface. Jeremy (David A.R. White) arrives with fiancee' Rachel (Staci Keanan) who is clearly jealous of his past relationship with Sherry (Tracy Melchior). Successful author Harold (Gregg Binkley) is married to the rigidly legalistic Rhonda (Autumn Paul). Rhonda is determined to convert Gary (John Schneider)...much to his amusement. The secrets that some of these people have are very hot topic issues that can be treated with contempt or overlooked as being inconsequential depending on your worldview or beliefs. Will their past change their present when it is revealed? Other cast includes Corin Nemac, Reginald VelJohnson, Rachael Lampa, and Building 429. Directed by Carey Scott and written by Sean Paul Murphy, Timothy Ratajczak, Michael Scott, Carey Scott, David A.R. White, and Russell Wolfe.
Actually, this is one of my favorite faith-based films. I think I have known most of these characters and been a few of them during different times in my life. Rhonda was the character most either disliked, laughed at, or identified with up to a point. It can be hard to love others as Jesus does when you always see things as black and white, wrong or right; you can easily lose your compassion for others when legalism rules your thoughts..I think this film has a good balance between relaying a Christian message and entertaining the viewer. I laughed, and even got teary-eyed at points, but there were things that made me think too. I found myself examining my own attitudes toward many people and topics. Great writing and believable characters and just a lot of fun to watch.
I am Gabriel is the story about Promise, Texas---a town that no longer seems to hold out a promise of hope to the people who live there. With the economy failing and teens just waiting to grow up and move out, the town is slowly dying and discouragement is rampant. The current drought only adds to the misery of the inhabitants who feel as parched within their souls as the soil that cries out for refreshment.
Things begin to change though when Joe and Ellen Murphy (Carey Scott, Elise Baughman) find a child in the middle of nowhere. The sudden appearance of this mysterious boy (Gavin Casalegno) soon stirs up controversy through the miracles that occur and his message to the town: there is no hope without Christ, and Promise can only be remade through earnest communion with the Father.
Dean Cain/ Jenn Gotzon
As these miracles begin to occur, the town embraces the boy and begin to grow hopeful, but not all trust what is happening. The town's sheriff, Brody (Dean Cain), is shocked when he hears news reporter Monroe (Jenn Gotzon) on the phone with Frank Pierce (Benjamin Dane), telling him about what is happening in the town. Monroe is trying to impress Frank and get a story on Gabe. Brody, however, just wants to find out who the boy is and keep his town under control.
Benjamin Dane, Elise Baugman, Gavin Casalegno, Jenn Gotzon
Of course, speculation on the boy's identity and reason for showing up in Promise continue to rise with each unexplained miracle. When Frank comes to town to see the boy for himself, and determine if this will make a good cover story, he is stunned to witness one of the miracles right in front of him. The town becomes more divided: Some believe he is heaven-sent, and others believe he is a false prophet. Other skeptics claim he is simply a runaway. However, with the death of the beloved town doctor (John Schneider), it is time for a showdown and for the boy to reveal who he is.
Mom's Cafe
Btw, I want to make a special mention of the song in the trailer. It is "Streets Of Broken Promise by Jenna Vitalone. I love it!
Another interesting note, is this movie was filmed in Justin, Texas due to a "chance" (I say, it's a God-thing) encounter between Mike and the co-owner of Mom's Cafe . Read all about it in ThisJustinTexas.com.
Mike Norris and stars of I am Gabriel
Directed and written by Mike Norris (with Kaci Hill and based on an original story by Neal Odom), I am…Gabrielis a lesson in connecting with those that really matter, the importance of prayer, and touches on why bad things happen to good people. This film is most certainly in the faith-based/redemptive category, but these are themes that are sure to resonate with any audience.
(My apologies to the 4 people I could not identify. If I find out, I will add their names.)
This film is distributed by Echolight Studios. LIKE I am...Gabriel on Facebook. You can purchase a copy on at several locations including Walmart.com and Amazon. ************************************************** At the time I originally wrote this, I had not seen the film, so it was merely a general write-up. However, I now have a copy of my own and I really liked it. As a Christian, I felt it was a great reminder that we are to have a relationship with God, and that we can communicate with Him through prayer. Also, a reminder that no matter how dismal our situation may seem, God will NEVER leave nor forsake us. It is directed more toward believers, in my opinion, but we need good films to watch. Great story of hope and faith. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jon and Michael
Added note: Since this is part of my series on films featuring Jenn Gotzon, I want to add a side note on Michael Gardner (pictured on the right with fellow I am...Gabriel cast member Jon Yowell). Michael has mentioned several times that Jenn encouraged him greatly on the set and impacted his decision to get serious about his acting. He has referred to Jenn as his inspiration for pursuing his dream. Read Michael's story by clicking on his name.
Hidden Secrets is an ensemble cast film that reminds me a lot of The Big Chill. When several old friends gather for a long weekend to attend the funeral of a beloved friend, the old memories, new lifestyles and rigid attitudes cause conflict among them and jealousies to surface. Jeremy (David A.R. White) arrives with fiancee' Rachel (Staci Keanan) who is clearly jealous of his past relationship with Sherry (Tracy Melchior). Successful author Harold (Gregg Binkley) is married to the rigidly legalistic Rhonda (Autumn Paul). Rhonda is determined to convert Gary (John Schneider)...much to his amusement. The secrets that some of these people have are very hot topic issues that can be treated with contempt or overlooked as being inconsequential depending on your worldview or beliefs. Will their past change their present when it is revealed? Other cast includes Corin Nemac, Reginald VelJohnson, Rachael Lampa, and Building 429. Directed by Carey Scott and written by Sean Paul Murphy, Timothy Ratajczak, Michael Scott, Carey Scott, David A.R. White, and Russell Wolfe.
