The Perfect Summer dvd

In The Perfect Summer, fatherless teenager Jake (Adam Horner) has to leave Chicago and move with his mom (Sydney Penny) to a small surfing town to live with her father (Eric Roberts) when she needs help supporting them. With no home internet, cable, or friends, the transition isn't easy and Jake isn't quite ready to accept the changes.

While using the internet at the local surf shop, owned by Cody (Jason Castro), Jake is attracted to a young surfing prodigy, Kayla (Katie Garfield)... which makes him an instant enemy to the town bully, Tyler (JD Banks). In an effort to fit in, and spend more time with Kayla, Jake agrees when his grandfather, Lou, offers to teach him how to surf. Through these surfing lessons, Jake also learns lessons in life about determination, facing fears, and rising above the challenges when all seems to be crashing around you.

"The Perfect Summer" was written by Nathan Scoggins and Gary Wheeler; Wheeler also directed the film. The dvd is 85 minutes long and suitable for most audiences. The bullying scenes may be too violent for younger viewers, but it is a clean, wholesome movie. Watch the trailer below:

 My Review: Despite some criticisms I have, I honestly did enjoy watching this movie. It has a message about moving along with your life no matter how awful things may seem, whether it is due to your own mistakes or when circumstances occur that causes life to pivot. Yet, it is not told in a preachy manner that will turn off the audience it is intended to reach. It can be enjoyed as a simple entertainment or used to start a discussion based on topic or characters

The film moves along in a predictable direction and I did think some of the roles were caricatures of the same type that appears in countless films. That's not to say that the acting was not good; I have just seen these people in nearly every beach film from when I watched "Beach Blanket Bingo" as a child on up to the most recent films. There were also a couple of things that did not quite make sense to me.

The movie is worth watching. Being predictable is not always a bad thing, and I did think the acting was solid. I enjoy watching Eric Roberts in everything I have ever seen him in, and this film is no exception. Both Sydney Penny and Louis Mandylor are seasoned professionals who give great performances. With the exception of Jason Castro (whom I know only as a singer), I don't know the younger actors in the film, but felt they all did justice to their roles.

 I received The Perfect Summer compliments of Word Films and Edify Media for my honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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The List

A group of wealthy Confederate landowners meet on a stormy night to form a secret blood covenant to protect their families' fortunes. One man refuses to sign, uttering a dark prophecy against the dangers of greed and black magic. Ignoring the warning, the men pool their gold in a desperate attempt to smuggle their treasures to Europe.
140 years later, Renny Jacobson, is stunned to discover that his father has left his substantial estate to charity, leaving his son with nothing but a reference to an obscure entity called "the Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd."
Mystified, Renny sets out on a quest to learn the truth about "The List" Along the way, he meets the lovely Jo Johnston, another descendent of a family bound to the secret society. Renny soon discovers that they are both inheritors of an ancient and sinister secret - as well as a vast fortune and that tragedy follows those who bind themselves to The List. Having signed the covenant with his own blood, he is unprepared to fight the evil forces that now seek to devour everything - and anyone - Renny holds dear. As his world crumbles, he is joined in the spiritual battle by some unlikely and courageous heroes.
In an unexpected and thrilling climax, Renny finds that he must fulfill the prophecy spoken in 1863 and destroy the power of The List - or risk losing the true treasure that has changed his life. (modified from the website)

This film, directed by Gary Wheeler, is another adaptation of a Robert Whitlow novel. This is a fairly good legal suspense film with supernatural overtones. I liked the book a bit better, but he was able to go more indepth with some of the story. However, the cautionary tale of greed and making 'a deal with the devil' is one that brings to life the Scripture: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Matthew 6:24

The members of this "Good Ol' Boy" club seem to be a congenial group of Southern gentleman as they graciously un-invite Jo (a woman!) to be a part of the group...and rid themselves of the pesky Yankee who has infiltrated. Malcolm McDowell, as always, gives an outstanding performance as the charming yet villainous leader of "The List", Desmond Larochette. Renny is a nice guy, but has to decide is his desire for money is going to corrupt him or if his love for money will give way to love of Jo...and ultimately his soul.

 

Bottom line is that it's not the best film I've seen, but I enjoyed it and think it is worth seeing.

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