Heaven Bound

Ted (Michael Joiner) and Josie (Nancy Stafford) have a perfect marriage and a perfect life. His career as a successful dog food marketer has moved them into a whole new tax bracket... until the fateful day when he suddenly makes a mistake that costs him his job and makes him the most hated man in the country. Josie is already very unhappy, but her frustration reaches the breaking point when her wealthy boss confides he selling all he owns to support a charity he is creating in memory of his late wife. So she concocts a plan to steal the jewelery her boss has hidden in order to pay their debts. Accompanied by her lazy little brother Moochie (Torry Martin), Ted and Josie attempt to pull off a caper but their plans quickly fall apart when Doc (Danny Vinson) realizes he has a captive audience to share the plan of salvation with before he dies. 

Heaven Bound is a fun, family-friendly film that has a serious message at its inner core, but is wrapped in layers of pure laughter. Many of the things that the secular world mocks about Christianity are highlighted in this film...because it's also things we laugh at ourselves. Of course, it's not laughing at the central message of following Jesus, but at some of the ways the gospel is presented. Just as it seems things may take a serious turn, the humor comes through. Joiner, Stafford, Martin, and Vinson all excel at their craft, and each are perfect in their roles. There is also a hysterical scene with Victoria Jackson, as well as a very funny scene at a coffee shop that features Denny Brownlee. Written by Marshall Younger, Torry Martin, and Rene Gutteridge, and directed by Gabe McCauley, this film is a must-see for anyone wanting a night of laughter.Learn more at HeavenBoundthemovie.com

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

Risen

"Risen" is the story of the Resurrection from the experience of Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), a member of the Roman Military Tribune. Due to the rumors that Jesus will return to life 3 days after his death, Clavius is assigned the task of overseeing the crucifixion and monitoring the guards responsible for making sure the tomb is left untouched. When the body of Jesus disappears, Clavius and his aide Lucius (Tom Felton) must discover what happened and how. In the weeks that follow, Clavius encounters events and people that challenge everything he holds true. When he finds the man whose crucifixion he had witnessed, Clavius is more determined than ever to find the answers...and his life will never be the same.

My Review: The acting, story line and production values are top-notch, and “Risen” followed the Biblical accounts closely enough that I had no issue with the creative licensing that must take place when telling a story from the point of view of a fictional character. The story brought a fresh look at people we are familiar with and “humanized” a few with both flaws and unexpected humor. Did I agree with every interpretation? No. But there was nothing that was outlandish or too far from actual events.

There are violent moments and graphic scenes as they search for Jesus among the dead, but not as intense as “Passion of the Christ.” Two younger teens were with me, and the movie was suitable for them, but I believe that parents should keep in mind that the film is PG-13. “Risen” is also one you can invite your unbelieving friends to see with you because it is a well told story about a seeker of truth (I love "Christian Pep Rally" films for my own encouragement, but some can be a tad antagonistic). Hopefully, it will open the door to many conversations and people will be more willing to explore the authenticity of Christianity. I confess that I am not a huge fan of several epic Biblical movies that people watch every year, but “Risen” will become a perennial favorite of mine.

gMovies

gMovies offers instant access to almost 300 faith friendly feature films of every genre, in addition to animated stories, television series and biblical documentaries that are always available on your computer or mobile device.

gMovies is operated by UP, America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, so rest assured that you are being offered the very best in faith conscious entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to UP for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” UP is the only television network to be so honored. Only $4.99 per month. No Contract! Cancel anytime!

My Review: I was really excited about the chance to review this video streaming service. I made the decision to turn off cable a few years ago, so I rely mostly on YouTube or DVDs for entertainment. My first thought when I started searching through the movies was that I had seen many already, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The first one I watched was a personal favorite, Hidden Secrets! (Not sure why I still don't own a copy of that one!)

In the meantime, I got busy, and am simply unused to having a service like this, so it was a few days before I got back to it. To my delight, several more films had been added, including several I had been wanting to see. I am really enjoying getting caught up on a few I always wanted to see, watching a few that escaped my notice, and revisiting a few more favorites.

I realize there are several of these services available, but gMovies is the only one I have tried. I really like it. The price is reasonable and there is a variety of movies and television programs. Since they are adding new ones, I don't have an immediate concern about seeing everything and being done before my subscription runs out. And, no worries about anything unsuitable showing!

Guess what? They are offering a 2 week FREE TRIAL for my readers!! Try it out and see what you think!!

READER CODE for 2 Week FREE Trial 

1. https://vod.gmovies.com/gmovies/secure/signup?productid=38

2. enter code: FREETRIAL76

BUT WAIT...There is More!!!!!

Yes, a 6 month Free Subscription is available for one of my readers! Leave a comment no later than 9pm, Sunday, April 26, 2015 to be entered into a random drawing!!

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Open to US and Canada residents only.

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 this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post

The Promise, or The Pros and Cons of Talking to God

"The Promise, or The Pros and Cons of Talking to God" (TouchPoint Press) by Sean Paul Murphy is his "true story of first faith and first love and how the two became almost fatally intertwined." As a Facebook friend, I had read bits and pieces of this on Sean's FB posts and on his blog, so I have long been intrigued to know more about this personal story. I had known his name for a while as the screenwriter of several faith-based films I have enjoyed. In fact, we "met" on Facebook due to a discussion about my favorite of his, Hidden Secrets. I knew I liked what he has written, and I have also learned I like and share several interests with him.

The book is an honest account of Sean's life and the love he had for a girl whom he believed would one day be his wife. Just as I do with his films, I laughed, I cried, I reconsidered my opinions on a few things. I usually come away from his movies with a deeper understanding of the views of another and make adjustments in my own beliefs---sometimes solidified, sometimes altered a bit. While I have also heard the Lord clearly speak to me, it has never been to the degree Sean experienced, and I was definitely intrigued to know more.

It was worth the journey to get the answer I wanted. Sean shared himself and his life, even to the point of a vulnerability few are capable of sharing, and made you feel like these are people you actually know yourself. He is just a few years younger than me, so it was also a bit of a walk down 'Memory Lane' for me with some of his interests. He is a very gifted story-teller with a talent for drawing the reader into his world. His faith is a large part of who he is and I love the way he expresses the relationship he has with God. His failures and frailties are expressed with the same honesty as the forgiveness received. I definitely recommend this book.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author, Sean Paul Murphy, for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Sean Paul Murphy is an award-winning screenwriter with fourteen produced feature film credits including the faith-based favorites “Hidden Secrets,” “Sarah’s Choice,” and “The Encounter.” Sean lives in Baltimore, Maryland. He is happily married with three step-daughters, and he can be found every Sunday morning playing guitar at his church.

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.

The Confession dvd

The Confession is the continuing story of Katie Lapp (Katie Leclerc), a young Amish woman who is in search of her roots and discovering her true identity. Katie, who was “shunned” by the Amish community [in the first film, The Shunning], has reconciled her relationship with her adoptive parents (Bill Oberst Jr., Sandra Van Natta) and is now out in the world seeking her "Englisher" birth mother (Sherry Stringfield)...before it's too late.

Laura has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and her husband, Dylan (Adrian Paul), is desperate to find a way to hang on to his wife’s money to finance his gambling habit. When he hears from Katie, he quickly convinces a struggling actress (Julia Whelan) to pose as Katie in a scheme to grab the inheritance. Will the real Katie, who is hired as a servant, remain silent or will she expose the lies?

Click here to watch the trailer. *The trailer or review may contain spoilers.*

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Confession from Edify Media Inc. for review purposes only. I was not required to give a good review and all opinions are my own.

I remember seeing The Shunning and that I liked it, but I enjoyed this one even more. I admit there was a bit of a predictability with how the plot will go, but it is still a well told story that kept my interest from start to finish. This is somewhat like a fairy-tale, so you have to believe there will be a "happily-ever-after" ending...eventually. Keep in mind, though, that this is part of a trilogy. When Katie's first love, Daniel, reportedly drowned in The Shunning, I hoped he would return in a future film. He does! However...Katie also has a new love interest. Does Katie choose Daniel or Justin? Will Katie return to her Amish upbringing? The Confession leaves us hanging until the next film for those answers, but I am eagerly anticipating it. The film is peopled with characters whose stories intrigued me and left me wanting more.

Is it necessary to see The Shunning first? No. This film can be viewed as a stand-alone film without the viewer becoming confused about the story. For those who have seen the previous film, there are different actors in some roles (including Katie), but they are true to the characters you know. This is a family friendly drama and the faith aspect is touched on, but is not the main focus. I am not a fan of "sappy" movies whose major purpose is to make people cry, and am happy to say that while The Confession has the "tug at your heart" moments, it's not the emotional manipulation that annoys me.

The film, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and written by Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird is based on the book by Beverly Lewis. The Confession (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, AFFIRM Films/Provident Films) is currently being shown on The Hallmark Channel, but is due to be released on dvd June 11, 2013. You will want this one!

Ring The Bell

Ring The Bell is the story of a sports agent, Rob Decker (Ryan Scharoun) who lives for his work and how to make money. When challenged by his assistant (Trenell Mooring) to get out into the field and personally sign a high school baseball superstar, Shawn Hart (Craig C. Stewart), Rob accepts what he believes will be an easy deal. But, when Rob becomes stranded in the small town the people begin to give Rob a new way to view things. Content with the simple things of life, and more interested in God's plan for their lives over fame and fortune, Daisy (Ashley Anderson McCarthy), and her brother Scooter (Casey Bond)--- who own the boys home where Shawn lives--- really open his eyes to another set of values. Will Rob respond to the desire to let God in his life?

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.

This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

DVD Special Features:

The Heart of "Ring the Bell"

Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video


On Set with Casting Crowns

Famous Faces


A Very Special Movie


Ringing the Bell


The Artists and Music of "Ring The Bell"

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

Overall, I enjoyed the film. Some of those involved are clearly more comfortable being onscreen as an actor than others, but no one was just horribly bad. I also grew tired of some of the more extreme quirkiness of a couple of the characters. I realize that it is standard to have those characters populate all small towns in films, but sometimes they go a bit beyond quirky. These complaints, however, are trivial matters in my overall impression of the film.
 

The story line was good and was presented in a way that is palatable to most. There is no blood, violence, bad language, etc. to make it unacceptable for family viewing. The gospel is presented, but I feel this is more a film that gives the viewer a look at how following Christ has made an impact on the lives of the characters who are believers. Most of the people I know live out their faith like these people, so it was all familiar to me. Would I show this film to family and friends who are not believers? Yes, especially those who love music and/or baseball. I also recommend it to people who are believers and want to watch a Christian worldview film that both entertains and demonstrates the validity of living out their faith and following God's will. Btw, I LOVED the whole concept of "ringing the bell"!! It is a perfect example of Matthew 10:32-33.

Website:  Ring The Bell (the movie)

Watch the Trailer: Ring The Bell

Facebook: Ring The Bell

 GIVEAWAY: FlyBy Promotions has a copy in their office to mail to one of my readers. Please leave a comment on the blog post to be entered. You must be entered no later than 10pm, Thursday, May 9, 2013 to be eligible.

God's Country starring Jenn Gotzon

Beautiful and ambitious investment banker
Meghan Doherty (Jenn Gotzon) has an assignment to close a deal that could make her career. All she needs to
do is travel to the Mojave desert and get the land
rights for God’s Country, an isolated Christian
retreat in foreclosure. But the faithful minister (Michael Toland) who owns the property refuses to consider signing the property to Meghan's boss (Daniel Hugh Kelley) until she agrees to spend six days learning about his ministry. Reluctantly, Meghan trades her stilettos for hiking boots and her Ferrari for a four-wheeler. 

What happens during that fateful week is nothing short of a miracle as the fast-talking naysayer Meghan warms to the Ministry – and to the minister's son Jake (Gib Gerard). Cut off from contact with her office, the beauty-in-high-heels learns the true meaning and actions of faith and friendship, and slowly comes to realize the value of what the rural camp has to offer. Meghan becomes a staunch supporter who must now go up against her superiors in a bid to find another group of investors that will agree to fund Jake Graham’s dream of turning God’s Country into a next-generation Christian College campus.

Click here to view trailer

Directed by: Chris Armstrong (“God’s Country” is Chris’s feature film directorial debut, slotted to direct Sci-fi action thriller, a true-story baseball drama and a few family & faith-based films in development). God's Country shows that, with faith and love, it is never too late to learn where real riches can be found.  John Atterberry (Michael Jackson Music Exec.) wrote “God’s Country” inspired on true life events how he and his fiancé-to-be came to know God through church camp. John was sadly killed in Hollywood before Christmas Dec 2011. Ref: The Hollywood Reporter (link).

You can pick up a copy NOW at Walmart, Blockbuster, Target, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Christian Book Stores and rental houses across the country.

MY REVIEW: I had not yet seen the film when I wrote this blog post originally, so I want to add that this film more than exceeded my hopes. Jenn Gotzon was fabulous in the lead role and watching her character's transformation throughout the film was a joy to watch. She was very believable in the dramatic moments and her comic timing was fabulous! The rest of the cast were equally as good and had wonderful chemistry. Gib Gerard was an excellent foil and love interest to Jenn's character and you know that there was no doubt that seasoned actors Michael Toland and Daniel Hugh Kelly had superb performances. The exuberance of Lenny (Kelvin Brown) and the sweet, idealistic Geri (Stephanie Barnes) really stood out to me and I also loved Meghan's mom (Suzanne Ford). Well done to all of the cast! I also want to say how impressed I was with director Chris Armstrong. Some of the scenes he captured were absolutely stunning, and the entire film was outstanding. (I can't think of even one instance where I thought "why did the director do it that way?"...as I am prone to do.) This was a fun film that had a message of faith, but filled with characters you knew would stand firm in their trust in God no matter what. 
God's Country on Facebook
God's Country on Twitter
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Jenn Gotzon on IMDb
Jenn Gotzon on Facebook
Jenn Gotzon Demo Reel
Jenn Gotzon on Twitter

Michael Gardner showing his I Am Gabriel co-star some support!

This Is Our Time

 This Is Our Time tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God. When tragedy strikes the group, each struggles to come to grips with how this can happen to someone who is so obviously following the will of God...and to make sense of their own lives.

 

 

 

This Is Our Time, directed by Lisa Arnold, is one of the latest ensemble pieces that Pure Flix does so well. I really did enjoy this film. It was one of those that not only were there characters that you could care about, and want to know better, but the movie also gave you a perspective that may not have occurred to you as you deal with issues in your own life. I think the following statement by the writer/director sums it up well: “What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.” One of the major things I walked away with is that it doesn't matter as much with what you do with your life, as it does who you are in life---are you being the person God called you to be no matter where He has you now?

Another factor of the film that I liked was that this fictional story had some truth in the ministry the characters were involved in. Embrace A Village is an actual ministry in India that cares for leprosy victims and their families. Parts of the movie were filmed there using the real people who live and work with the mission. There is more about it in the bonus material on the dvd.

Random other things I like about the film is that there is closed captioning, a commentary track...and 4 actors familiar to most of us: Erik Estrada, Bruce Marchiano, Eric Roberts, and Dawn Wells! They each bring an added dimension to a film you will want to share with others.

Speaking of sharing...another giveaway!! Leave a comment on the blog (or make sure you get my attention on FB if you encounter a problem.) A winner will be selected on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 9am CDT.


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

One Hit From Home

One Hit From Home is a faith-based sports-themed film that apparently was written, directed, and stars the same group of people. Synopsis: After suffering a career ending knee injury, pro-baseball superstar Jimmy Easton returns to a place he has not been in a very long time…home. Here, Jimmy confronts dark memories from a tragic past as he tries to make peace with a life he once left behind. Things take an unexpected turn when he is forced back into the world of baseball as the coach of an underachieving college team. Coach Jimmy’s rocky relationship with Brandon Elliot, the team’s only star, forces both of them to deal with their similarly troubled pasts. (IMDb)

Frankly, I stayed so distracted by poor acting, coloring, editing, script that I couldn't focus on the story. For the first 30 minutes, Jimmy stayed in a bad mood. For the next 30, Brandon was in a bad mood. The final 30 minutes were a jumbled mess of changing circumstances, coincidences and, I assume, a happily ever after ending for everyone. I was majorly disappointed, and for the record, I stayed in a bad mood through the majority of the film. I would not recommend this film to anyone.

Men of A.I.M.

Men of A.I.M. is a ministry seeking to support and encourage churches and men's ministry leaders in Central Illinois, but also reaches out to men in other areas. The acronym A.I.M. is a reminder to men of the importance of balancing Action (James 2:17), Integrity (Proverbs 10:9), and Maturity (Hebrews 6:1) in our lives. Their focus scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:26 ~ Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly...

Of course, I am NOT a member, but I have been fascinated by the work that Rich Gerberding does, especially through Heart of Illinois Movie Central. Rich says on the page, "Film has the potential to impact many lives, and – frankly – the quality of Christian films has increased greatly over the years. The HOI page will be used to provide information about current or upcoming Christian movies in the Central Illinois area, or of films in the works that may be coming our way.As a growing number of Christians support films, the word will get out and Christian filmmakers will want to see if they’re films will 'Play in Peoria'."

I have noticed Rich and his organization over the past couple of years as they have been extremely supportive of several films that have caught my attention. I thought he was very effective in getting out the word (actually, I am a bit jealous of his success! lol) in movies such as Hardflip, October Baby, Christmas With A Capital C and others. I noticed that this group will be promote  The Lost Medallion (another impressive looking film!), but I am really excited that HOI also will be endorsing Beyond The Farthest Star!!!!

Rich kindly included me when he emailed others on his newsletter list, and this is part of what was said: "Is there a trailer.... no, not yet.

But there is a book, and I read it last weekend.  Yes, last weekend.  I had gotten a few pages into The Hobbit, on an impulse downloaded "Beyond the Farthest Star" - and didn't read another word of The Hobbit until I'd finished this book.

Everything I'd hoped to see from the various clips of the movie was there, and I am now even more excited about the film coming out than I was before.

The film hits a lot of topics -

• Separation of Church & State
• Teen angst & Self Abuse / cutting
• Abortion / Sanctity of Life
• Priorities of Life - Leaving a Legacy
• The Importance of Marriage Vows

Amazingly, these topics are pulled together through the struggles of a Pastor's family in a Texas small town in a way that they do not feel forced, but rather the culmination of issues left unchecked and finally blowing up."

I have said many times that I truly believe that a good film can be a conversation opener and I would like to see more groups have a media ministry that not only presents films that can minister to the churched, but also appeal to the unchurched. Too many have their own narrow view of what a Christian or faith-based film is but, as with any other type film, there is room for all genres and audiences. If you are looking for a good model on how to organize this type of outreach, I heartily recommend you take a look at the Men of A.I.M. site. I am sure Rich has many pointers on the best way to get started.

Men of A.I.M. website  

Men of A.I.M. Facebook page

Heart Of Illinois Christian Movie Central 

"Like" Beyond The Farthest Star 
(remember to sign up to Bring It!)

Jenn Gotzon

Jenn Gotzon is a talented, hard-working actress who currently has several films in pre- or post-production or are complete and will be released soon. She went from murder mystery dinner theater to landing bit parts in a variety of  films, including Scenario For Delirium (written and directed by Chris Armstrong, founder of Elysian Pictures and the man whom she married 4 years later.) However, it was the role of Tricia Nixon in the film Frost/Nixon that was pivotal in her acting career. That was also the year she won the "Rising Star" award at Wildwood By The Sea Film Festival for her body of work and "Best Actress" at the 168 Hour Film Film for the short film Stained , which also won Best Film for that year (2008).

Click on the  highlighted words to check out  Jenn Gotzon's Acting Reel (2011)

Jenn uses her Christian faith, along with the faith-based, family, and/or redemptive films she stars in as part of her ministry, Inspiring Audiences. This is the motivational program she uses to educate and encourage others to discover what they are most passionate about and to pursue it. This method of using lessons that her character learned during the course of the film provides a visual that the audience can easily relate to and utilize in their own lives. However, I have heard from several people who have acted in films with Jenn who say this is just part of who she is every day. The impact she made in their lives and others on the set proves that she 'practices what she preaches'.

I had planned on doing just a quick write-up on Jenn, but she is so multi-faceted that I am still doing research. It is hard to focus on just one or two of her accomplishments. Keeping in mind that she has so many films that have captured my attention, I have decided to make this the first in a series. The focus of each will be around one of those films.

In the photo above, you will see some of the films Jenn has coming out soon. All of them look fantastic, so look for future blogs on each of these very soon!

To find out more on Jenn Gotzon ...check out her official website at JennGotzon.com and IMDb.
LIKE Jenn on Facebook
Follow Jenn on Twitter
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The Genesis Code dvd

Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders), a college journalist and committed Christian with an effervescent personality, has been assigned to do a story on Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) the college’s newest and very popular hockey superstar. As a relationship between them begins to develop Kerry finds that Blake, who hides behind a tough and independent façade, is actually struggling through a difficult personal crisis and that he bears the cross of a secret he has kept hidden for years. Blake rebuffs Kerry's suggestion that prayer might help ease his burden; he is convinced that modern science completely disproves the Bible, especially the opening verses of Genesis. Kerry — who is herself suddenly confronted with a challenge to her faith on another front — sets out to prove that science and Genesis are not in conflict and her quest leads to a startling revelation. Could it be that what science teaches us about creation and the Story as told in Genesis are both true! ~ (from the dvd cover)

Website: http://www.thegenesiscodemovie.com/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegenesiscodemovie 
Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/thegenesiscodemovie   
Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewpopup.asp?Unique_ID=8437   
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p4Cs_QkwsM&feature=player_embedded

Creation is a subject that has long been debated. There are too many theories, and it all creates conflict and confusion. I believe God created. It has never mattered to me how He chose to do or how long it actually took. Science interests me, but most of it overwhelms me, so I had a bit of trepidation when I saw what this film is actually about. (I glanced at it and thought it was a sports film; I like those.)

The Genesis Code turned out to be a fun film with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and an intriguing plot. The marriage of Biblical accounts of creation and scientific evidence made sense to me, and I could embrace that theory. However, I am not qualified to say if it is accurate; I just know I enjoyed the presentation. Some of the subplots were more plausible that others, but it gave you a chance to get to know more about the characters and establish a relationship with them.

 Of course, the cast of Hollywood veterans who appear in the film make it even more engaging. I would have wanted this dvd just for Ernest Borgnine alone! Other fabulous actors in this film are Louise Fletcher, Fred Dalton Thompson, Lance Henriksen, Rance Howard, Catherine Hicks, Ben Murphy, and Susan Blakely. Along with marvelous actors, there are some awesome graphics. While there were a few parts in the film I wasn't satisfied with, it made me laugh and it made me think: both of those make this a film I would recommend.

“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.”

Christmas Lodge

Synopsis: 

Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

Christmas Lodge trailer 

Let's get the negative out of the way first: I was not overly impressed with much of the acting. Some were better than others, but no one gave a performance that really stood out for me. Also, some of the storyline had holes in it. There were simply a few things that seemed implausible, but I confess that I may just be too nitpicky. It is a pleasant film, but I did not get drawn into what I found to be a predictable, cookie-cutter story.

The positive is that I am always happy to see a film that portrays faith in a natural, matter of fact way. Most of the people I know are Christians, and I am accustomed to faith being a normal part of life. There was no dramatic "big deal" made over simple things such as Mary & her boyfriend staying in separate rooms on a weekend getaway. Prayer, Bible reading, and using Jesus as an example is simply the way this family lives normally. The family relationships are also portrayed as close and loving. While it is a bit bland, it is a good story that you can comfortably watch with friends and family for a cozy night at home.

GIVEAWAY: Got the popcorn, hot chocolate, blankets...but now need a movie? All followers of this blog to be entered into random drawing to win a copy of Christmas Lodge to enjoy with your family and friends. Winner will be selected on Mon., November 7, 2011 at 9am (CT)

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Propeller 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."