Beyond the Farthest Staris now available in the USA and Canada! Have you bought your copy? I love the film so much that I picked up one for myself --- and one for a giveaway. I strongly believe that this story will appeal to many people on a myriad of levels.
This film is an insightful, mesmerizing story that centers on the Wells family. Each struggle with resentment and bitterness that threatens to destroy their family...and the emotions intensify following a move to the small town of Leonard, Texas. BTFS has universal themes that speak to all people and effectively weaves the idea that there is hope in spite of physical or emotional scars. This richly layered story shares a raw honest portrayal of transformation and restoration after hidden secrets are revealed and healing is allowed to begin. Elements of suspense, romance, and political intrigue are combined with multi-dimensional characters to present an escalating tension that intensifies to an explosive climax, and, ultimately, to a satisfying conclusion.
When Beyond the Farthest Star was in theaters, I was able to see it several times and was riveted to the screen each time as I picked up nuances missed before. The story is fascinating and the actors do an incredible job of making their characters come to life onscreen. This film also inspired a novel by Bodie and Brock Thoene, a Kinkade painting, and a new arrangement of "Beauty For Ashes" by Crystal Lewis. I am thrilled to now own a copy of the DVD and I highly recommend this movie!
GIVEAWAY!! To enter for a chance to win a DVD of Beyond the Farthest Star, please leave a comment on the blog (or under a post or --- just let me know since I know all my friends are not tech savvy and I will manually enter you). Please use hashtag #wishuponastar to help me locate you. All entries due by end of day on December 15, 2017. USA residents only.
UPDATE! There will be TWO Winners selected thanks to the generosity of Jodie Moore Actor. He plays the abusive father, Jackson Tucker, in Beyond the Farthest Star, so think of him kindly when you see the DVD. #wishuponastar Be sure to like his IMDb page and Jodie Moore - Actor page on Facebook!
When a young woman, Simone Burner (singer/songwriter, Brandy Allison) is accused of murdering the woman who assaulted her, she seeks out the help of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada) to prove her innocence. A ruthless and corrupt prosecutor engages her in a trial that brings the past she has longed to escape to the forefront of her defense. Virtuouswill inspire and ignite you to live the principles of Proverbs 31------faith, integrity, wisdom, and honor. (back cover)
There are some strong female roles in this film who represent women who have gone through various forms of neglect or abuse who each come to terms with their past and overcome it as they realize their value as daughters of the King. From Si (Brandy Allison)who has left behind a life of abandonment and drugs, an ambitious news reporter (Vanessa Ore) who has left her faith behind as she seeks to advance her career, A cop (Angelita Nelson) bitter over her husband's betrayal, a soldier (Jenni Ivers) who is captured and tortured by the Taliban, a single mom (Melissa Barron), and a retiring judge (Bonnie Johnson) who is emotionally abused by her husband. Each of the women have storylines that intertwine, but it takes a while before the stories come together enough for the pieces to fall into place. I enjoyed the second half of the movie more than I did the first. To be honest, the first 5 minutes were not good at all and I am certain that had an impact on my attitude as I watched the film.Then with all of the loose threads of stories that had not yet come together, I had problems staying focused on the action. I commend Director of Photography, James Burgess, on the look of the film, but some of the dialogue and acting was cringe-worthy. I wasn't crazy about musical choices (and a good soundtrack can make or break a film for me) and some of the scenes just didn't quite make sense to me. I was even able to (reluctantly, LOL!) overlook that one of the more obnoxious characters was a staunch fan of my beloved University of Alabama. I don't want to say there were not good moments, because there were several, especially in the second half of the movie that did really touch me. But I would have missed them had I not been reviewing the film since the weak beginning would normally have me turning it off. So, it has some good points that are worth waiting for, but is more of a "preaching to the choir" type movie. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but only still it is a mediocre film.
The film, directed by Bill Rahn, is slightly over 2 hours and is probably not suitable for anyone under 13. Other cast members include Erin Bethea, Ben Davies, and Jessica Lynch. For more information, go to www.virtuousfilm.com.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as
part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and
testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review
and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The subject of Christian film...and what YOU think "Christian Film" means has been the topic of several discussions lately. I am of the opinion that Christian film is a label that should not necessarily be used. Just the words cause some people to automatically love or hate a film. When reading the reviews of films that are categorized as 'Christian', it always seems to boil down to followers of Christ raving about the perfection or nonbelievers ranting about the absurdity of the film content. Both viewpoints are unfair to the makers of the films and the potential viewers. A major point of contention is often whether faith-based films are meant to proselytize.
In fact, one of my FB friends, Clayton Michael Frasier recently asked: "DO YOU THINK THAT CHRISTIAN FILM DOES WHAT THEY THINK IT DOES; AS IN SAVES PEOPLE, BRINGS PEOPLE TO CHRIST?" Please go chime in with your answer!! (click here for link)
Another complaint is the opinion that Christian films are "cheesy" or of poor quality. There are some poorly made films that the Christian community is sometimes "guilted" into supporting. However, is this a fair evaluation of ALL faith-based films? Have they compromised to appeal to more people...just to 'lure' them into theaters? Do you think the quality of these films is improving? Recently, producer Benjamin Dane sat down with BTFS Editor, James Burgess to talk about the evolution of faith-based films (and what makes Beyond The Farthest Star different.)
What do you think? I must admit, a couple of films did immediately come to my mind. I would love to hear more of what he has to say about how Christian film and filmmaking has changed from earlier efforts. Also, more on what he (or any of my readers) consider to be good or poorly made Christian films...both past and present.
(I know there are other films I could have used, but y'all know this is my favorite. lol)
My point...and the reason I was unable to simply answer my friends question... is that each film is not necessarily meant to have an 'altar call' at the end. Should a filmmaker even try to encompass all of Christianity in one film? Amazing Grace is one of my favorite films, and part of the reason is because it was about a man who was a Christian yet the film did not try to beat people upside the head with a Bible. It was simply a realistic film of a man who made his decisions based on his faith...just as I do in my own life. I like films that strengthen my faith or make me think. I also have no issue with films that do boldly lay out the plan of salvation. But a film that is well-written, sincerely told, and doesn't feel 'forced' and will open a dialogue about why I believe what I do about Jesus with a non-believer is amazing. There is room for most genres of film to be made with a Christian perspective, and we should offer the best of our talents to Christ. I am excited to see what the future holds for the film industry as more people are raising a standard of excellence.
