Thursday, September 23, 2021

Courageous Legacy

Ten years ago, COURAGEOUS opened in theaters across the world. With the Kendrick Brothers trademark combo of both tears and laughter, combined with action, a strong message, and inspiration, the film made a impact on millions about the importance of a father.

Courageous is the story of four law enforcement officers (Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes, Ken Bevel, Ben Davies) who face danger daily and who have developed a bond of friendship outside of work, along with their new friend Javier (Robert Amaya). When tragedy strikes, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their families, and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives.




On September 24th, the remastered, special-edition is coming to theaters as COURAGEOUS LEGACY. This updated version of the film includes an enhanced
look and sound along with impact stories, new scenes, and a new bonus ending you don’t want to miss!

If you are thinking, "I saw it the first time," or even, "I recently watched the original online," you may wonder if it's worth going to see COURAGEOUS LEGACY in theaters. YES!! More than ever we need a reminder of
God's promise in Malachi 4:6 to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." Our world has changed drastically during the last decade and this film should have an even greater impact. The additions, especially the updated ending, are exactly what the film needed.

LINKS:

Giveaway: 2 free Fandango codes to see Courageous Legacy in theaters! You will be entered to win if you leave a comment (on blog or social media post) with #CourageousLegacy by 11:59pm Sept. 26, 2021.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for
review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Roar Like a Lion - Levi Lusko

 

Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko (with Tama Fortner) is a children's devotional suitable for kids 6-10 years old. This sturdy, hard-cover book is a 90 day devotional that helps kids who are facing fears and challenges with school, peer pressure, grief, bullying, etc. or just to build faith to face the future strong as a lion.

The Bible stories, scripture and related stories, actions (Get Ready to Roar!), and hidden anchors, and brightly beautiful illustrations by Catherine Pearson, this book is sure to delight your elementary-age kids while also building and strengthening their faith in God. The contents of this book can also open more intimate conversations with the child's caregivers as well as conversations with God (through prayer). Young kids are not mature enough to process everything that impacts their lives and I see this as a helpful addition in learning how to cope with disappointments and fears.

The 6-year-olds in my family do not read well enough to use this book on their own, but I look forward to sharing it with my great-grandkids by reading it to them during their overnight visits. As they get older and reading skills improve, this book will be a familiar source. Of course, older kids can read it themselves, but I still think adult participation is useful and a special bonding experience.  

I give "Roar Like a Lion" 5 stars and recommend it as an excellent choice for a child. ORDER NOW and give it to a child now... or save it for a Christmas or New Year's gift.

GIVEAWAY! You can also ENTER TO WIN a physical copy of Roar Like a Lion, courtesy of Thomas Nelson & Momentum Influencers Network. Leave a comment with #roarlikealion on this blog or the social media platform I've posted this review. Deadline to Enter is September 27, 2021. USA only.

LINKS: 

ORDER YOUR BOOK!
Roar Kike a Lion website

Levi Lusko

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Saturday, September 18, 2021

VINDICATION: Season 2 Episode 4

 

Season 2 of VINDICATION is rolling out new episodes and the series has somehow kicked it up a notch from Season 1. I had high expectations and they were surpassed.

Over a year has passed since we last saw Travis with family and co-workers and there has been a few major changes. It's easy to catch up, though. The story lines, characters--- both old and new---, quality, etc. are more intense than ever and leave this viewer eagerly anticipating the next episode. These cliffhangers! 🤯

I will be specifically reviewing Episode 4, but first watch the Season 2 trailer at Vindication S2 trailer.


EPISODE 4 OVERVIEW: "Perspectives" -
A veteran (Garry Nation with known racial prejudices reports a stolen tractor and lands Travis (Todd Terry) in a difficult spot. Doris (Laurie Coker) makes a request of Becky (Peggy Schott).

REVIEW: Tensions continue to mount due to changes in the 2 precincts in personnel and personal relationships. The friendship between Kris (Venus Monique) and Kevin (Matt Holmes) gets more complex, family issues in the Travis family are unresolved, and there is growing conflict at work. A focus on racial prejudice comes to the forefront when new detective Tre Millwood (TC Stallings) and Travis visit a Vietnam vet who has reported a stolen tractor. Different perspectives on racial prejudice are explored, along with the desperation faced by aging veterans. Garry Nation gave a performance that turned what could have been a stereotypical character into a man whose experiences in life have left him struggling to fit into a world that has changed, leaving him a bit fragile and confused.

The story, written and directed by Jarod McFlaherty, raises more speculation than it gives answers...and is one of the reasons I love this series so much! It makes me think and it leaves me wanting more. The actors, both regular and guest actors, are outstanding. (Shout out to Roni Hummel Casting!) Vindication is a well-rounded series that appeals to viewers on several levels, and Episode 4 has several threads I want to follow. The finished tapestry is going to be fantastic. I recommend this episode, but you'll want the entire series!

GIVEAWAY: If you don't have a subscription to PureFlix.com, I am offering you an opportunity to WIN a FREE PURE FLIX SIX-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION! Thanks to Pure Flix and Momentum Influencer Network, you have the chance to binge Vindication and check out other series and films that Pure Flix has to offer. In a comment, use hashtag #VindicationMIN to be entered. (And make sure I have a way to contact you.) DEADLINE to enter is September 26, 2021.
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone. I am not paid to endorse these products.



You can also read my review of Vindication, Season 1 here. You can WATCH Season 1 at PureFlix.com.


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Monday, September 13, 2021

Vindication - Season 1

 

  Have you seen Season 1 of VINDICATION? This is an episodic faith-based crime drama series that matches the quality of any crime drama I have watched... but with a twist seldom seen on television. When I initially saw Episode 1 with guest star Ben Davies, I was frankly surprised by the ending and my curiosity was piqued about the future episodes.

Vindication covers the life of Detective Gary Travis (Todd Terry) at work and at home. His wife Becky (Peggy Shott) and daughter Katie (Emma Elle Roberts) are frequently directly or indirectly connected to each episode. The East Bank Police Department is where Travis works with his boss Sgt. Tomlinson (Steve Mokate), computer expert Kevin (Matt Holmes) and Gary's new detecive trainee Kris Tanner (Venus Monique). The interactions evolve over the series and the viewer becomes emotionally invested in these characters.




Director/Writer Jarod O'Flaherty has brilliantly created a story arch that is building the foundation of the series. Each episode is wonderful on its own, but the character development is what draws the viewer deeper into the series.(Other writers are Alan Tregoning and Micheal Willbanks.) Fans of faith-based films are sure to recognize many of the guest stars and background actors in the series, too.

Topics of episodes include drugs, adultery, human trafficking, sexting, kidnapping, PTSD, domestic violence, relationships, and more. These are stories that could be ripped out of the headlines, but often making unexpected turns. While this does have a faith-based theme, Christianity is not the main topic. Vindication does not have violence and bad language, but it does have good stories told well that are suitable for teens and adults.

PureFlix has all episodes of Season 1 (and currently releasing episodes of Season 2) for you to enjoy over time... or to binge!
If you don't have a current subscription, try the FREE TRIAL at Pureflix.com for 1 week. I highly recommend you check out the Vindication series for yourself!

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Thursday, September 2, 2021

Show Me the Father

 

The first documentary by the Kendrick Brothers, SHOW ME THE FATHER, is a compelling and heartfelt peek into the stories and private lives of some well-known men, including Dr. Tony Evans, Jim Daly (Focus on the Family), Deland McCullough, Sherman Smith, Stephen Kendrick, and Alex Kendrick. These men share insights into their relationships with their own fathers, what it means to be a father, and, ultimately, the importance of God the Father in all aspects of life. Take a look at the trailer below:



Show Me the Father opens in theaters on September 10th and is definitely worth seeing, especially as a family. I was able to view the film early and was highly impressed with the film's content and production. I wasn't familiar with all of the men interviewed, but each had something vital to share. Each unique father story invites you to examine how you view your earthly father and how this affects your relationship with God. The documentary brings both familiar and new perspectives about how the relationship (or lack of) with your father makes a tremendous impact on your relationship with your dad, your children, others... and with God.

The movie definitely is not just for men. A girl's relationship with her daddy has an impact, too. Many women have said that their initial view of God has much in common with their view of their father. After viewing the film, this may open much-needed conversations. Gather your family, men's groups, marriage classes and make this an event to remember! You can get tickets at showmethefathermovie.com


GIVEAWAY!! I'm giving away 2 tickets to the movie, via Fandango, for opening weekend, Sept 10-12, 2021. The winner will be notified via email. Prize must be claimed within 24 hours. Enter using #showmethefather in comments. Deadline is Sept. 6, 2021.
Note: This giveaway is limited to US residents only.

Disclosure: Thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. However, opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#ShowMeTheFather #ShowMeTheFatherMIN
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork


LINKS:


Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Show Me the Father trailer


 

SHOW ME THE FATHER is the first documentary from the Kendrick Brothers (Overcomer, War Room, Fireproof). It features powerful true stories featuring well-known men of God like Dr. Tony Evans, Jim Daly (Focus on the Family), Sherman Smith, Stephen Kendrick, and Alex Kendrick.

Each of us has our own unique father story, and it's a relationship (or lack of) that makes a tremendous impact on our lives. The men in this film bring a new perspective and invites you to examine how you view your earthly father and how this affects your relationship with God.

See the trailer:



Please share the trailer and the September 10th opening in theaters. And think about whom you want to invite. It is a great film to see with your family, and also an excellent event with your men's group... or with any group! Check out the Group Tickets in the Links below:


LINKS

#ShowMeTheFather
#ShowMeTheFatherMIN 

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Thursday, August 5, 2021

When We Last Spoke

When We Last Spoke, starring Melissa Gilbert, Corbin Bernsen, and Cloris Leachman, is a quirky and heartwarming film on faith, family, and forgiveness. Recent multi-award winner [Best Picture, Best Narrative, Best Supporting Actress, a Silver Award for Best Actress and a Bronze Award for Best Actor] at the Crown Awards at the 2021 National Religious Broadcasters Convention, the movie is based on the book by Marci Henna. When We Last Spoke is available on DVD or streaming.

SYNOPSIS: In 1967, two sisters are abandoned and raised by grandparents in the town of Fireside. Humor, heartbreak and triumph are served with whipped cream and lots of local nuts in this heartwarming tale of family, friendship and forgiveness. The story is narrated by the adult Juliet (Lacy Camp) in mostly flashbacks of Juliet (Darby Camp) and Evangeline (Chandler Head; adult - Alicia Fusting) whose dad (Donny Boaz) is in Vietnam.



REVIEW: I enjoyed the film. The well-known actors gave solid performances and I thought the rest of the cast performed well. To be honest, I read the book several years ago and liked it, but didn't love it; something seemed to be missing for me. The actors put flesh on the characters and brought them to life in a most satisfactory way. I was able to fill more emotionally attached. There were poignant moments but the movie stayed mostly lighthearted. There were also a few examples of turning the bad into something beautiful that appealed to me.

The soundtrack is great! I was 12 in 1967, so many memories were stirred via the music, fashion, and more included in the film. It takes place during a turbulent time in American history and has sad elements, but it was also a kinder, more simple time. The laughter, in the film and from the viewers, remind us that it's possible to keep finding joy despite heartache and misunderstandings.
But the final message all should receive is the importance of family and forgiveness and the need for faith to sustain us. This is definitely a "popcorn movie" to enjoy with friends, but I believe it's worth seeing. Check it out!

GIVEAWAY!! Enter to Win a DIGITAL CODE of When We Last Spoke! Simply use hashtags #WhenWeLastSpokeMIN and #MomentumInfluencerNetwork in the comments section. Deadline to enter is Aug. 17, 2021. Offer good in the USA only.


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Disclaimer: I did receive a link to review this movie from Momentum Influencers for review purposes. All opinions are my own and no monetary compensation was received.