Church People DVD

 CHURCH PEOPLE is a Christian comedy about the megachurch megaproduction sub-culture and getting back to the simplicity of the Gospel. The film has a powerful message about rediscovering your passion for Christ. Starring Christian comedian Thor Ramsey, Erin Cahill, Michael Monks, Stephen Baldwin, Donald Faison, and Joey Fatone (NSYNC), this is the first feature film directed by Christopher Shawn Shaw. The DVD has just been released! Buy yours at https://churchpeoplefilm.com/#buy
 

MY REVIEW: Church People is one of my favorite films! Not only does it have many hilarious moments, but it also has a significant message that resounds with me. I don't often cry in movies, but this one deeply touched me. It brings the viewer back to the heart of worship and the true meaning in the message of the Cross.

When Church People was released in 2021, one of the major concerns and questions I saw was, "Does this movie mock Christians and megachurches?" Absolutely not!! It does address the "rock star" celebrity that sometimes takes over, but it does so with love and a huge dose of humor. And reminds us that the simple message of the gospel has an eternal impact on the lives of others... even without smoke machines, swag, stunts, and superstar leaders.

I love all of the actors involved, the writing is fantastic, wonderful soundtrack, and the director is amazing! (Trivia: Director Christopher Shawn Shaw makes a cameo as a stagehand.) Scroll down to read a synopsis of "Church People."

Giveaway: One DVD copy of Church People! You can enter by commenting #ChurchPeopleMovie on the blog or another Social Media Platform post with my review.
(Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.) The DEADLINE to enter is February, 18, 2022.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

SYNOPSIS: Guy has been on a tour to promote his new book, but begins, encouraged by his money-focused agent, to embrace the gimmicks over the gospel to bring in the crowds. Burned out, he returns back to his church and his duties as the Youth Pastor.

But, Pastor Skip Finney, the tie-dye wearing lead pastor who loves bringing in crowds by coming up with new stunts and ideas, has gone too far with his newest crowd-baiting scheme for Good Friday.

Blaise, a zealous new Believer in Youth Group, is determined to be a part of Pastor Skip's dangerous and blasphemous scheme much to Guy's dismay. Then there's the unexpected love interest in the Senior Pastor’s daughter and being a new father to his grown daughter. You've also got Joey Fatone as the Worship Leader AND rival for the affections of Carla, Stephen Baldwin as the ultimate church greeter, plus William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips as clueless parents.

Guy ultimately rediscovers and puts on a powerful presentation of why we all need to put our hope in Jesus and not in ourselves.

You will want to own a copy of this film. Click HERE to buy.

#ChurchPeopleDVDMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Jeremy Camp: ‘Ask Me Anything’

You asked… Jeremy Camp answered… in this LEV3L blogger exclusive!

As part of the I Still Believe review blog, my readers were given an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Jeremy. All LEV3L Digital bloggers asked our audience to submit questions to artist Jeremy Camp – about the film I STILL BELIEVE, his music, his story, about his source of Hope... anything.

Jeremy did a great job of thoughtfully and thoroughly answering many of the questions submitted in this nearly 15-minute video! Be sure to check out this video to see if YOUR question was answered. I loved hearing the answer to my own... and to the many I didn't even think to ask. 

Don't forget to click the 👍 under to video to let Jeremy know your appreciation!  

I STILL BELIEVE is AVAILABLE NOW ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL.

 istillbelievemovie.com


 
Many thanks to LEV3L DIGITAL for the opportunity to participate in this campaign! If you are interested in blogging for them, learn more here!

Also check out Jeremy and Addie Camp's new book, In Unison. It is available at Amazon, along with other Jeremy Camp books.

Keep up with Jeremy, and check out his Official store at jeremycamp.com

Christmas Jars movie

Based on the book by Jason F. Wright, CHRISTMAS JARS shares the story of Hope Jensen, a reporter who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a holiday phenomenon: money-filled glass jars were anonymously given to people in need. This best-selling novel created a new holiday tradition that changed the lives of people all over the country. CHRISTMAS JARS is a one-night movie event that provides hope to all as we enter this special season. In theaters Monday, November 4 only, CHRISTMAS JARS is a heartfelt reminder that kindness truly is contagious.

MY REVIEW: Christmas Jars is a wonderful, inspirational film about the special generosity and kindness that fills many during Christmas time. Hope Jenson is abandoned as a baby at a diner, where she is discovered by the waitress, who adopts her. As a young woman, during a Christmas of much loss, Hope finds a jar of money on her doorstep that simply says Christmas Jar. Her curiosity inspires her to reach out to her boss to request she be allowed to research and file the story herself for the online magazine where she works as an assistant. 

Using false pretenses, she finds the people who originated the Christmas Jars tradition many years earlier, but they share with her on condition of anonymity. Of course, they all grow close, lies are brought to light, and we hope for the heart-warming, miraculous ending that satisfies.

Does it? It worked for me! The important thing is that this is EXACTLY the type of movie you want to see to start off the holiday season with warm, fuzzy feelings, and inspiration to share the love and kindness with others. Whether you go for a date night, family fun, night out with the girls, a pick-me-up film for yourself, Christmas Jars is a feel-good film you need to see!

Keep in mind, this is a FATHOM EVENTS ONE NIGHT ONLY MOVIE. Christmas Jars will only be screened on NOVEMBER 4th! Pre-order your tickets HERE through Fathom Events!

GIVEAWAY!! One winner will receive a free DVD of Christmas Jars (when it is available for release). Simply use #ChristmasJarsL3 in the comments to enter the drawing. Contest ends at noon, November 3, 2019.

Disclaimer: I was given a digital link of the movie at no cost to myself via BYUtv and LEV3Ldigital. 

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES:

Learn more about the film at the official website, and feel free to follow the film’s socials.

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Can You Believe It? - Hillsong Kids

'Can You Believe It!? - Songs of Truth' is both a question and a challenge... a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith. Classic songs like 'My Best Friend', 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)' and 'What A Beautiful Name' join brand new declarations of faith such as 'As The World Shakes' & 'Heaven Is Our Home'. We pray that this collection of fun and vibrant songs, help children around the world to declare biblical truths about God's love and grace for them. (Amazon Editorial Review)

My Review: This Hillsong Kids DVD is a mixture of music, interviews, teaching moments and humor. Meant to explain the message of the Bible and the importance of church, topics included are the Bible, Church, living for God, and your need for a Savior. The material seems more suitable for elementary school children (7 - 11 years old). Of course, the music is wonderful for all age groups. I preferred the more well-known songs like "Oceans" and "What A Beautiful Name," but there were others that were enjoyable. I'm not a fan of some of the more upbeat pop type that would be more appealing to a child... but this is meant to be for children.

To be honest, I would have loved this as a CD or even if it had a 'Music Only' option on the DVD. Some parts of the adult interactions simply did not work for me, and the more teachable moments, while good, are not something I would listen to repeatedly. For a classroom setting, this is great, but I can't imagine wanting to hear the entire DVD frequently. Overall excellent material but not something I would watch often. The children in my life are all preschoolers and they lost interest whenever the music stopped also. So, definitely consider the age of the child when purchasing this product.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Healed By Grace 2 dvd

HEALED BY GRACE 2: TEN DAYS OF GRACE (Blended Planet) tells the story of Jesse (Kennedy Martin), a young girl whose only wish for her upcoming 15th birthday is a horse of her own.

Her parents, John (David Matthew Weese) and Brandy (Stacy Munsie), trying to protect her from her mom's unexpected health scare tell her that she is going to Summer Camp instead. But, when summer camp falls through, John decides to appeal to his wife's estranged father, Gauff (Larry Bower)... who happens to be a horse trainer. Gauff, still recovering from the death of a special horse named Grace, sees the chance to bond with his unknown granddaughter, and the hope of reconciling with Brandy. An inspiring story of how God’s grace works in mysterious ways.

The story covers the serious subjects of estrangement, cancer, forgiveness, faith, family and restoration with a compelling story and a few touches of humor. Suitable for the entire family (although pre-schoolers may not sit through it), this will especially appeal to the horse lovers in the family. While this works as a stand-alone film, several of the main characters are also in the first film, Healed By Grace. However, this is more of an additional story rather than a traditional sequel.

Healed By Grace 2 is currently available on Digital Download. The DVD will be available on September 18, 2018. Check it out on ChristianBook.com and Amazon.

GIVEAWAY!! One blog reader will win a 2-DVD combo containing both Healed By Grace and Healed By Grace 2! Enter (on blog or under post) Using the hashtag #HealedByGrace2L3. Deadline to enter is 1pm CDT, September 10, 2018.

Many thanks to LEV3L DIGITAL for providing the link for me to review the film and the opportunity to share DVDs to one blessed winner! 

Steps of Faith

Steps of Faith synopsis: Faith Houston (Chrystee Pharris) believes God has told her to move from Dallas to a small town to work on a Hippotherapy farm helping children. Her family is doubtful, considering that Faith is afraid of animals and children... and is not even a devout Christian. Once she arrives, the farm manager, Bell (Gail Cronauer), laughs at her too, but Marshall Lee (Charles Malik Whitfield) convinces her to give Faith a chance. Marshall mentors Faith as she learns to work on the farm, including cleaning stables, and their relationship begins to blossom. Although Faith is following what she believes is God's plan for her life, her fears continue. When a child is almost injured, the pressure is too much. Doubting she actually heard God, she runs away and returns to her home. Can she step out in faith once again... and will "Steps of Faith" give her another chance?

 

My Review: I truly enjoyed this film. The characters played well off each other and it was easy to love each of them. Steps of Faith is a dramedy that speaks on hearing God's Voice, obedience and other important matters. But the story is told with a light-hearted touch that had me frequently smiling. The spiritual growth of the two main characters was as much fun as the growth in their relationship as they fall in love with one another. Additional characters, including some familiar faces, add texture to the story. The movie is directed by M. Legend Brown and written by Micheal D. Brown and T. K. Henderson. 

Steps of Faith website
Steps of Faith on Facebook

Many thanks to LEV3L Digital for providing me with a copy AND offering a DVD to a reader of my blog. Please Enter with #StepsOfFaithL3 on this bog post or in a comment on a social Media post. Deadline to enter is Friday, June 8, 2018.

Champion DVD

Friendship and forgiveness are at the heart of the story in Champion, coming to Digital and On Demand on October 24, 2017, and DVD on November 7, 2017, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. An impactful and inspiring tale perfect for the entire family, the poignant film stars Andrew Cheney (Beyond the Mask, Seasons of Gray), Gary Graham (Star Trek: Renegades, Alien Nation) and Robert Amaya (Courageous, Moms’ Night Out). Champion on DVD and digital is overflowing with compelling bonus features including music videos, never-before-seen outtakes and a featurette that take viewers behind the scenes of the beautifully crafted story.

Sean Weathers (Cheney) is a hotshot dirt track racer with a thriving career, adoring fans, and a loving daughter. Jack Reed (Graham) is a successful businessman working to reconnect with his estranged son (Stratton). When a single mistake results in tragedy, it leads the paths of these two men to cross, and an unexpected bond forms between them. Together, they must work through the painful journey toward healing. But as secrets come to light threatening to destroy all hope, can they put their faith in God and discover a way toward redemption? Experience this story about the power of faith, love, and the true freedom of forgiveness.

I reviewed "Champion" several months ago. You can read my review here: Champion. I really liked the film and found it to be more in-depth than I expected and certainly more than a little racing movie. At this year's Christian Media Association conference, Content17, Champion won 2 awards: Best Cinematic Quality (Wes Llewellyn) and Best All Around Trailer (Judd Brannon).

GIVEAWAY: Now you can win a DVD of your own---thanks to Icon Media !To enter, simply leave a comment on the blog or under one of the posts (I advise tagging me to make sure I don't miss you. All entries must be made by end of day, Saturday, November 4, 2017.

LINKS:
ChampionTheMovie.com
Champion the movie on Facebook
Follow @ChampionMovie on Twitter
Follow championthemovie on Instagram
Champion on IMDb

UPHE Website

• BONUS FEATURES on DVD & DIGITAL:

• The Heart of Champion – The story of how the movie came about, the grassroots efforts that made the film possible, the crafting of the story, and what the filmmakers hoped the viewers would experience.

• Music Videos
  

• Outtakes
•  Original Theatrical Trailer  

          

FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Andrew Cheney, Gary Graham, Robert Amaya, Isaiah Stratton, Cameron Arnett, Faith Renee Kennedy

Directed By: Judd Brannon

Produced By: Steve Hyland

Screenplay By: Missy Reedy and Sarah Inabnit

Executive Producer: Judd Brannon

Line Producer: David Cook

Music By: Cliff Duren

Costume Designer: Teila Meyers

Edited By: Steve Hullfish and Judd Brannon

Production Designer: Marcela Shaw

Director of Photography: Wes Llewellyn

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:

Street Date: November 7, 2017

Copyright: 2017 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Selection Number: 61192954

Layers: DVD 9

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Rating: PG for thematic material

Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French (Canadian) Subtitles 

Sound: English Dolby Digital 2.0

Run Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Altar Egos

Desperate to see their church grow, Pastor John (Robert Amaya, MOM’S NIGHT OUT, COURAGEOUS) and wife Betsy (Erin Bethea, FIREPROOF) do the unthinkable and change their church Christmas pageant. Flabbergasted, elderly choir director Mary Margaret (Sallie Wanchisn) leads the choir to boycott. Facing termination, Pastor John resorts to disguising himself as an old man to bridge the generation gap, win over Mary, and lead the choir back to the church. When he discovers that the wounds run deeper than he first suspected, Pastor John must learn to love the unlovable or risk the ruin of his church and family. Also stars Victoria Jackson (SNL). Written and directed by Sean Morgan, the film uses the themes of loving the "unloveable," reconciliation, conflict resolution, and change vs tradition. 

Altar Egos is a good "popcorn" movie to enjoy with family or friends. It's not one of the funniest films I have ever seen, but it is amusing. The themes of the film can be told in a very heavy-handed way, so it is refreshing to see points made in a more humorous way. To quote Mary Poppins, a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down. Some of the scenes were a bit too silly for me, and some left me puzzled, but it was overall entertaining. There were also a couple of editing issues that I wish had been fixed, but that is not uncommon in any movie. 

Good acting throughout the film. Robert Amaya and Victoria Jackson are excellent any time they do comedy. But, I have to mention 2 of the younger cast members. Lindsley Register lit up the screen each time she appeared. I loved her portrayal of Holly. But, the standout performance for me was Max Morgan! He was good as the teen-aged Jack, but when he would transform into the elderly Frank, I could not take my eyes off of him as he tried to fit into the senior crowd and made attempts to get them to loosen up a bit.

Conflict and resolution are the major staple of most films, and I thought Altar Egos did a good job in the "and they all lived happily ever after..." style while still making their points. Sometimes we need to see things from a different point of view to gain a greater understanding.
 ALTAR EGO LINKS:

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  Dove Review

To Joey, With Love DVD

To Joey, With Love is a documentary, based on home movies, of the final 2 and a half years of musician Joey Feek. Husband-and-wife singing duo Joey+Rory, 2010 Academy of Country Music New Vocal Duo winners, were in the midst of a whirlwind life when they did the unheard of for those who are experiencing extraordinary success. When Joey became pregnant, they decided to take a year off and simplify life for a year, living on their small farm. What started as Rory filming their lives and preparation for the birth of their child turned out to be an extended time when it was discovered later that Joey had cancer. The film follows the decision to take time off to the birth of their daughter Indiana, born with Down Syndrome, and continues through Joey’s struggle with and ultimate surrender to cancer—and is an intimate peek through the joy, despair, love, laughter, struggles, and hope as this family experiences a life they never planned. Narrated by Rory Feek, the DVD will be available on Dec. 20, 2016. You can pre-order it here: tojoeywithlove.com/buy

 
My Review: I seldom cry when watching movies, but this one did move me to tears several times, for varying reasons. To be honest, I hesitated when offered the chance to review the DVD since I knew so little about Joey+Rory. Of course, I had seen the stories trending and knew that Joey had passed away---I had even prayed for them frequently during her illness, but I don't think I had ever heard even 1 song by them until watching the DVD. Plus, knowing of her passing, I was not sure if this was something I would want to see.

I was wrong! Rather than a melancholy story of a life cut too short, this DVD is a celebration of life. Nothing is sugar-coated, but the viewer is drawn into the lives of these people in such a way that there are as many tears of joy as there are of sorrow. Watching them LIVE their lives rather than just accepting defeats and falling into despair is a true encouragement for others. Of course, their faith in God as their sustainer and hope is a message that shines through. I do recommend you see this for yourself and share it with others. In the midst of sorrow, there is also inspiration and hope for this life and beyond.

Website: ToJoeyWithLove.com
Buy DVD: ToJoeyWithLove.com/buy
Rory's Blog: thislifeilive.com
Facebook: To Joey With Love

Disclaimer: Thank you to Icon Media Group for sending me a link to watch this film! They also are offering a copy to one of my readers. Simply respond by Thursday, December 1, 2016 to be entered. USA residents only.

Fragile World DVD

 Fragile World, written and directed by Sandy Boikian ("Leaving Limbo"), is the story of a lonely interior decorator with a history of delusions who falls in love with a charming stranger. The question is...is he real or a product of her imagination? Starring Alexa Jansson (Rosalie), Noelle Perris (Britt), Benjamin Keepers (August), Marco Aiello (Fitz), and Chad Bishop (Logan), and produced by Lisa Boore Lambert, this film keeps you guessing as it explores the world of mental breakdowns and delusions.

Britt & Rosalie

Sandy Boikian has come through with yet another film that captures my imagination, makes me think, and thoroughly entertains. Leaving Limbo was quirky and fun, but I did not see how she would pull it off again with Fragile World and the serious subject matter. I have watched this film several times now, and pick up things I missed in each viewing. The twists and turns of the story keep you guessing throughout the entire film. Each actor brings another layer, with the main characters giving nuances that build to the suspense of reality and their own conceptions of what is happening. Even the minor ones are vital to giving clues to what is going on. Later you look back and realize that your initial response may have been incorrect. 

Rosalie & August

Rosalie is under so many burdens that suicide seems to be the only solution until she has a chance encounter with August. They don't actually speak, but that spark of interest they each find causes her to make a decision to live. When they do finally run into each other and talk, both quickly fall in love and Rosalie finds a new joy in life. But that is when the viewer discovers that this is not a love story or a film about recovering from heartbreaking circumstances, but a puzzling mystery with pieces that don't quite fit the way we expected. 

Fitz and one of his fans

The first person we see in the film is Fitz, a musician who wants to be a star. Starting off as a character I don't have a favorable impression of, his is a prime example of things not always being what they seem. By the end of the film, I was another of his "adoring fans." By the way, actor/singer Marco Aiello, who plays Fitz has several songs on the soundtrack of the film. Another huge thing for my enjoyment of this film is that I loved the music!! A couple of times I wanted to rewind to hear songs again, but the entire soundtrack is fabulous.

Seriously, this is a multi-award winning film for good reason! I highly recommend it and can hardly wait to see what Sandy Boikian and Bruised Reed Productions will come out with next.

Like Fragile World on Facebook and find out more on the Fragile World website.

Lisa Boore Lambert, Susan Kawashima, Noelle Perris, Willow Hale, Marco Aiello, Alexa Jansson, Sandy Boikian

Wildflower DVD

Creatively gifted, college student Chloe Moray (portrayed by Nathalia Ramos, known for BRATZ, Arrested Development, House of Anubis) finds solace from a difficult childhood in her extraordinary art. But when an alarming dream begins to recur nightly, Chloe starts to believe that it might be a suppressed memory and that she may have witnessed a terrible crime as a little girl. Her search for peace takes her on a journey that forces Chloe to confront her past traumas and leads her to cross paths with Josh (Cody Longo, known for NOT TODAY, Hollywood Heights, Nashville), a young man dealing with his own painful loss. Together they find in each other someone they can trust as they seek to unlock a cold-case mystery from years before. But with the authorities blocking the way, Chloe's new-found hope is challenged in this powerful story of faith, triumph and healing.

My Review: Wildflower is a well made suspense film that is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and due to some scenes too intense for younger viewers. The tension increases throughout the film as Chloe has nightmares that are occurring with increased frequency. Unable to trust anyone, and with everyone involved believing that she is delusional and in need of mental health help, Josh chooses to become her friend. Dealing with his own demons of grief and shattered faith that haunt him, his compassion and support of Chloe eases his own journey toward healing and restoration. Trauma, grief, lack of trust, abuse, rejection, and fear are all explored in this film, some in a more subtle message, but leads to a message of hope and healing. The film is good for a conversation-opener for family or small group discussion. I really liked it and give it 4.25 stars. A relative who who was visiting me says it is one of the best films she has ever seen. She watched it several times, and I gave her my copy when she left...but good news below for another reader and movie fan!

I received a copy of this DVD from Icon Media Group at no cost to myself in exchange for a fair and honest review. They are also offering a DVD to one of my readers. Please comment to enter (or contact me to add you) no later than April 20, 2016.

wildflowerthemovie.com