Unsung Hero

 

UNSUNG HERO opens in theaters on April 26th! When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, his family emigrates from Australia to the United States. With only their 6 children, 16 suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

Daisy Betts as Helen Smallbone

Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands firm; and inspires her husband and children to turn adversity into adventure while bonding into a close-knit group who prioritize God and family. Buy tickets today to see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26th!

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent movie that is so much more than a biopic about the Smallbone family. Many people know Rebecca St. James and the for King and Country brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone for their music. I was aware they had emigrated from Australia to Tennessee, but I knew few details other than they were a large family.

UNSUNG HERO is the story of why they left Australia and the struggles of their early years in America. When the expected job David was depending on to restart his career as a Christian music promoter fell through, his wife provided the firm conviction that their faith in God would hold them together and that He would provide their needs and she remained confident that her husband would become successful. Helen Smallbone became the "backbone" as she taught her young children to rely on God and each other in a joint effort to hold her family together. Her ability to provide faith-building ideas, along with gifting her children with a sense of adventure during the hardships is a source of inspiration to all mothers who know the struggle of holding everything together...even if you feel like falling apart sometime.

Lucas Black

Each actor involved was wonderful in his or her role. I especially loved Terry O'Quinn as David's dad, Candace Cameron Bure as the pastor's wife was a lot of fun to watch, and my fellow Alabamian Lucas Black is always a special treat in any role. Older viewers also need to watch for former HAPPY DAYS actor Donny Most (Ralph Malph) in a brief role.

I thoroughly loved the movie...I watched it 3 times! It is inspirational without being sappy and a strong testament to the power of faith and the blessings and strength that come with hard work, a vow to support one another, finding joy in the little things, never giving up, and always remembering God is with you at all times.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full
name and email address by 5/2.2024.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:
Website
Tickets
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Jean Thomason Interviews Luke Smallbone
Kingdom Story Company YT
Rebecca St. James
for King and Country
Soundtrack
YouVersion Bible Study

One Last Thing - St. James/Rue

One Last Thing by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue is a contemporary fiction that focuses on the subject of online pornography addiction and the devastation it can bring to a person and their relationships.

Tara Faulkner and Seth Grissom were childhood friends who grew up next to one another and whose lives had flowed from an idyllic childhood to a fairy tale perfect romance. Seth's best friend was Tara's brother and their parents were best of friends also. But, three weeks before the lavish wedding, Tara discovered a secret that revealed a part of Seth she could not imagine.

I didn't love the book, but I did like it a lot. The various characters covered a full spectrum of people who are likely to part of ones circle of friends. The jolt to Tara after discovering Seth's porn addiction, and the indecision of what to do and how to react seemed very well played. More than one of the people in the story had secrets that were slowly revealed and gave a greater depth of understanding to the results of sexual addiction, showing that it is not the harmless hobby that many claim, and that it does hurt many people. While the story did delve into causes for Seth to have formed this addiction, keep in mind that this is just one person's story.

The family dynamics also proved that what is seen on the surface may hide a whole range of other emotions and hidden agendas. The family that put on the biggest facade of a perfect life, proven to have many dysfunctional aspects. As Tara struggles to keep Seth's secret while evolving into a person of more depth, she is sometimes surprised by the reactions of close family members.

Now, some of the work situations seemed not quite in step with reality, but I did like the friendships formed and the support group. Tara managed to build a healthy support system community that provided the strength she needed as she worked through the issues that needed confronted, and came out a much more likeable person at the end of the book than she was at the beginning. While the book did not end with all of the loose ends tied in a pretty bow, it did end on a hopeful note that Tara, and Seth, would get through this...as individuals more secure in who they are, what and in Whom they believe, and better equipped to face challenges in life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

A Strange Brand Of Happy

After losing his job, David (Joe Boyd) is pushed by his roommate (Benjamin Keller) to hire a life coach (Joyce) to motivate him. When Joyce (Rebecca St. James) invites David to join the volunteer group that she takes to a retirement home, David discovers his manipulative ex-boss, William (Hunter Shepard), is part of the group. The retirees, noticing that both new volunteers are interested in Joyce, decide to add to the drama by deliberately pushing the rivalry to a higher level. The competition goes extreme and ultimately leads David on a journey that may mean he loses all he hoped to find.

Written and directed by Brad Wise, A Strange Brand Of Happy (Rebel Pilgrim Productions) is due to hit theaters September 13, 2013.




My Review: A Strange Brand Of Happy is not what many think of when they think "Christian film", but is more of a faith-friendly type film. I think of it as a quirky, romantic comedy. It's not a film for children, although they will not see or hear anything inappropriate. It is probably more along the lines of a PG film. It made me laugh as I watched and I got a bit teary-eyed during one scene (unusual for me). It is a fun film for "date night" or to see with a group of friends. I don't want to give away too much, so I will just summarize a bit below.

David lost his job, albeit one he hated, but doesn't know what direction he should take to find meaning in his life. Can he find fulfillment in a new career or is there more to being happy? His friend, Ben, believes a "life coach" is the answer and sets his friend up with one who is also very attractive. David is unemployed, unfocused, a bit immature, and never really thinks about God. Joyce finds joy in her life and believes God finds joy in her when she uses the talents He has given her. Will their professional relationship stand in the way of a personal one?

David and Joyce

Joyce believes one of the best ways to help yourself is by serving others, and convinces David to volunteer at a retirement home. The residents (Shirley Jones, Marty Ingels, Venida Evans, Bobby Rodgers) quickly involve themselves in the lives of these volunteers and their manipulations are hilarious. Yet, they also provide the help and guidance David needs to get his life heading toward a happy future after decisions made nearly cause him to lose everything.

I called this a romantic comedy, but it is more than just boy meets girl, they flirt, they fight, and love conquers all. This is also about finding the gifts God has given you and using them. It is also about finding God when you seek Him. Sometimes you just have to know where to look.

How does a flyer, a landlady (Bekka Prewitt) with a crush, a poet (Anis Mojgani), and a knight in paint-splattered armor fit in this story? You will have to see the film this September to get those answers!!

Cast and Crew of A Strange Brand Of Happy

 This film is also participating in a new ticket reservation plan that is a lot of fun called Seatzy. Check it out in the link below and find out how you can get this film to your area and win prizes! 

Important Links:

A Strange Brand Of Happy website

Reserve Tickets on Seatzy

Like ASBOH on Facebook

Follow @StrangeHappy on Twitter

Like Rebel Pilgrim Productions on Facebook

CFDb Interviews Joe Boyd

CFDb Interviews Brad Wise

*I was shown an advanced screening of this film in order to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review, but only for my honest opinion.

Mother India

Winner of “Best Short Documentary” at the 2012 San Diego Christian Film Festival, Mother India is a compelling documentary that chronicles the adventure of 25 courageous orphans living as a family along the railway in Tenali, India. Mother India brings to light the struggles faced daily by over 31 million orphans in India and the challenge of rescuing them from a life of begging and addiction.
 
Filmmakers David Trotter (Director/Executive Producer) and Shawn Scheinoha (Executive Producer) went to India with the intention of filming a documentary on the plight of the orphans living on the streets of India, but became involved with a group living in the railway station of Tenali (Andhra Pradesh). “India is growing in both population and industry, but few people know that there are over 31 million orphans in this nation,” commented Trotter. “Each of these young lives is much more than a statistic. Every one of them has a name, a face and a story.” Scheinoha added, “We’re not out to just tell a tragic story. We’re focused on raising awareness and changing lives.” Mother India was filmed from December 29, 2011 to January 8, 2012, and is narrated by Grammy award winner, Rebecca St. James.
 

Mother India on YouTube
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Word Films Website
Mother India Website

Havest India on Facebook

Harvest India Website

We all know about the poverty in India, but this film puts a name and face to those who are suffering in a way I have never really noticed before. As you watch the film, you grow to care about these kids--some are adults now, but that makes it more tragic to realize what they have gone through to survive. During the filming of Mother India, the filmmakers were presented an opportunity to a tour of the Harvest India campus and children’s home in Tenali. Suresh Kumar and his wife, Christina of Harvest India helped expedite matters, but it further heightened my awareness of the complexities involved in helping these children and the glimmer of hope that can be offered. You feel overwhelmed as you watch at the enormity of it all, but even helping one or two can make an impact on those who will need help in the future. It is always better to do something rather than nothing.


This is not a film for young viewers. Some of the topics are drug abuse, sexuality, violence, and HIV/AIDS. You hear children talk of being used for sex, drug use is shown, and wounds from abuse. Nor is this a film aimed only at a Christian audience, but is intended to bring awareness to all about the plight of these kids. If your family, church, or organization are wanting to be involved with a ministry, watch this film and you will realize the needs to be met. 

Purchase DVD here
 - Spread the word.
- Sponsor a child.
- Serve with organizations who are helping orphans in India.

I received this movie free from Word Films as part of their Blogger Review Program, via Blogger Gateway. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."



I received this movie free from Word Films as part of their Blogger Review Program, via Blogger Gateway. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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." .

Suing The Devil

Suing The Devil is a Christian legal thriller/parody that provides both some thought-provoking moments and lots of humor. Due to a series of events that did not turn out as he hoped, frustrated law student Luke O'Brien (Bart Bronson) has had all he can handle! Based on the premise that he is responsible for all of the world's evils, Luke decides to sue Satan for 8 trillion dollars. Against all odds, the devil (Malcolm McDowell) shows up... with a full team of the most capable lawyers money can buy. The team of lawyers are reminiscent of the OJ Simpson trial, and the news panel discussing this trial in-depth (& nonstop) can be seen on any cable news channel, but it gives a feeling of authenticity. There is no doubt that a trial like this would be given world-wide, round-the-clock coverage.
The entire world watches intently to see who will win this unimaginable court battle. Will justice prevail and overcome evil? feeling of authenticity.

There are uneven spots, especially with some of the acting, but Malcolm McDowell's performance as Satan makes this a film well worth watching. It is a very humorous portrayal, yet it makes it easier to see how insidious the devil really is and how attractive sin can be packaged. It has a more evangelical approach than some of the other faith-based films, but can appeal to a wide variety of people. Truth is presented in the film, and that can be controversial to some. I am a Christian, so I look at the message in this movie from the POV of a believer. There are other faith-based movies that may appeal more to a wider audience, I did enjoy watching the film...but would be hesitant to share it with friends who are not believers.