Watchman Pictures ~ Princess Cut DVD (Review)

While my daughter was home from college for Spring Break we made time to watch a DVD from Watchman Pictures, Princess Cut, that I had received for review. Promoted as a Romantic "Family Film," I was definitely more comfortable watching it with my daughter than I would have been with my tween and teen sons.

The cinematography is nicely done. The story?  Well, I personally think it could use a little work. While I appreciate much of the message of the film, there are some little details and inconsistencies that could have been refined. I will also note that it comes from a strongly Patriarchal point of view.

Short Synopsis:
The basic premise of the film is that Grace, a farm-grown college girl is dreaming of perhaps the infamous "Ring by Spring" as she has been dating a fellow for 15 months. She has apparently been through some previous relationships that didn't work out, but she's convinced that her current beau is going to present her with a "Princess Cut" ring at a special dinner he's arranged. When it turns out not to be a romantic proposal, but more a celebration with his college buddies and announcement of his engagement to someone else, Grace is understandably upset, and laments that there is no one out there for her.

Her little brother introduces some comedy into the story by surreptitiously placing a "want ad" in the paper which produces a parade of amusing, but unlikely suitors to her door.

Grace's mother is a bit of an enigma, her Father is caring but troubled by the status of the family farm, her best friend is a bad influence, a new neighbor is (thankfully) a doctor whose services are required during one tense scene, a new romantic interest pushes Grace to ignore her convictions (which I may or may not agree with, but the boyfriend pressuring her definitely brings up the opportunity to converse about acceptable behaviour and mental manipulation, no matter how minor the infraction).  Throughout the film there were some scenes that I felt were trying to connect some dots, but I never really saw the bigger picture. It is pretty obvious, however, that this movie promotes courtship based relationships, with parental approval.

Little details that got lost or were confusing~ 

• There is a huge college project that gets ruined~ big part of a scene, but we never find out what happens with that. With my Art Ed major college student watching with me, we BOTH wanted to know how that was resolved. 
• There is a blond girl who shows up at the beginning of the film, but then isn't seen until much later~ I understand that it was perhaps a bit of foreshadowing. However, I thought she was a different character, which ended up being very confusing to me when she did eventually show up. 
• Grace's family are soybean farmers, and they end up picking the beans by hand into baskets. At a certain point, they just leave the baskets in the field, as a machine starts working... Ack! Pick up the baskets before they get crushed ~ or don't show the machine working, and leave it entirely to our imagination. A minor thing, but it bothered me. 
• .... when a ring does show up, is it a "Princess Cut" ring? That's a detail that would have wrapped things up nicely, but we don't know the answer to that question. 

Deeper Issues and some general commentary about some of the themes:
A note about the 2nd blond I mentioned~ she is supposedly Grace's best friend. This is one place where I felt the film was inconsistent with the values it was trying to portray. It is implied that they have been best friends for a LONG time, not just since college. If Grace's parents were as conservative as suggested, I think they would have helped to steer Grace away from this unhealthy friendship while she was of an age to be fully under their influence. The friend is a bit of a troubled wild-child who gives very ungodly advice. I realistically know there will be other influences in an adult child's life, but in this particular family, I felt that the dynamic wasn't terribly believable.

If you are on the extremely conservative end of things and/or fall in the Patriarchal/Courting camp as I mentioned earlier, this film may suit your family admirably. However, those who don't fall into that camp will possibly take issue with the dynamic between Grace and her father, given her age. I will also note that if you are unfortunate enough not to live in an intact family unit (due to any number of circumstances, including death of a husband), the patriarchal tone of this film may not be something you will enjoy.

I certainly believe that a mother and father's job of "parenting" never ends, that offering guidance, and watching out for the best interests of their children is always the right and healthy thing to do, and I personally don't think it matters if they are a daughter or a son. However, at a certain point, the parent also needs to understand when their children are adults, that while guidance may still be offered, it won't necessarily be taken. Just like when they were little and we couldn't save them from every scraped knee or elbow, we can't always save them from the school of hard knocks as young adults either, no matter how much we hope to.

Young Adults ~ Sharing not Hiding
Parents ~ Advising not Instructing
Both~ Discussing
Communication {both ways} is key to healthy relationships

Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty 

As I mentioned at the beginning of my review, there * are * some good messages and themes. The discussion guide on the Princess Cut Resource page is actually really good, and each point is worth discussing with your young adults (Older teens+) BEFORE they get involved in any romantic relationships~ a few of the themes, with my thoughts:

• (2,3)God's wisdom and direction should be sought ~ before undertaking any relationship it's important to seek His guidance in prayer and the word
• (4) Parents should be honored ~ seek out their wisdom, honor their opinions
• (5) Pure, Godly friendships should be cultivated ~ good advice and peer pressure (if you will) to do the right thing
• (6)His timing should be waited on ~ don't push for a relationship before its time
• (7) The way a family (yours and theirs) is spoken about by a romantic interest should be noticed~ is the conversation honoring or disparaging? 

I believe the intent behind Princess Cut is good, but I, unfortunately, have to say once again, that while the filming was good, this story could have used some refining and possibly different directing. As is, I feel it isn't quite up to the standard that I have been seeing in today's Christian Films.

• Company: Watchman Pictures
• Product: Princess Cut
• Ages: Older teens would be my recommendation
• Price: $9.99

You can visit Watchman Pictures on their Social Media Pages: 

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube

Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say (There are other viewpoints offered, so please do check them out). As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool/entertainment budget.

Blessings~

"Trust Fund" ~ A Modern Day "Prodigal story" movie with companion book

My daughter and I are always on the lookout for GOOD films to watch together, so we were both excited to receive the movie Trust Fund by Mapelle Films for review. We also received a go-along book Love Was Near (intended to be read AFTER viewing the movie), for YA girls.

Of additional interest to us was the fact that the cinematographer/producer of this film was homeschooled, and the cinematography is AMAZING! I will add that there is no "cheese" to be found in this film~ it is first-rate!

Quick synopsis: Trust Fund is a modern day retelling of the Prodigal Son story from the Bible.

Essentials that remain the same:

• Wealthy Family
• Younger sibling takes inheritance
• Spends inheritance unwisely
• Returns home seeking forgiveness
• Older sibling "rivalry"

Differences:

• Sisters instead of Brothers
• Modern setting
• Love interest(s)

This was an enjoyable film (and, I will repeat, with gorgeous cinematography) that can easily be watched with multiple generations (12+) without any cringe-worthy moments (no foul language, gratuitous sexuality or violence which all tend to be pet peeves of mine when watching most modern films). I think it would be a work extremely well as a high school and/or college-aged "Girls night in" choice, but there is enough intrigue and the story line is such that it should be enjoyed by the males in the family as well (kind of chick-flick, but not totally ;) ).

We loved the Italian location/filming, but wish there were subtitles for when there were conversations in Italian, as it was hard to figure out exactly what was going on. ;)

You can get a feel for the quality of the film yourself by watching the trailer below...

TF OFFICAL TRAILER 2016 - Theatrical 2min from isaac alongi on Vimeo.

You can make this an educational experience as well as entertainment,  by downloading Mapelle Films' Downloadable Study Guide, which comes with four parts. Each section includes 

• Scripture ~ from the Prodigal Son Passage that is the basis for a particular scene in the film
• Right to the Point ~ draws a parallel between the Biblical story and the movie
• Deep Thoughts ~ trying to figure out some of the "why" behind some of the actions of the characters in the movie
• What Do You Think? ~ Questions that assess comprehension as well as offering opportunities for application. 

If you'd like to take that educational experience a little further with a female audience, you might want to consider checking out the companion book, Love  was Near. The book follows the movie story line, with three components for each  of the 28 chapters.

In each, Reese (the main character in the movie) first writes in the first person, giving background information and insight into the story, explaining her perspective and the background for some of the decisions she makes in the movie.

The second part is written in diary form, which offers even more insight into her character and thoughts,  and the third part is more book-club-ish with a number of leading questions to ponder.

Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty 

• Company: Mapelle Films
• Product: Trust Fund (Movie) Love Was Near (Book)
• Ages: 12+
• Price: 
• Trust Fund Movie $14.99
• Love was Near $12.99
• Movie Soundtrack $9.99

Connect with Mapelle Films and Trust Fund on Social Media, where you might hear more about their next film "How to Pick Your Second Husband~ FIRST" as well as connecting with them about Trust Fund:
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram  

Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.

Blessings~

#hsreviews  #trustfundmovie #movienight  #moviereview
#familynight  #familyfun #family 

FishFlix.com Movie Review: Little Boy

The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew doesn't always have curriculum to review~ we've seen some games, music, and household/beauty products come along, and occasionally some movies.

This time around,  FishFlix.com  (which offers a huge inventory of Faith and Family Friendly movies) had a few movies for members of the crew to review.  I was sent the movie Little Boy.

Other titles that were reviewed by TOS Crew Members were
Do You Believe?, Living Waters: Intelligent Design in the Oceans of the Earth,
Faith of Our Fathers, and When Calls the Heart, Heart of the Family

Little Boy takes place during World War II. "Little Boy" is the nickname of a young boy, Pepper Busbee, who lives somewhere on the west coast.

Quick Synopsis:
Pepper's brother London wants to enlist, but is refused because of his flat feet, and their father determines that it is his duty to go to war in his son's place. This hits Pepper particularly hard, as he is something of an outcast, due in good part to his diminutive stature. His father appears to have spent a good deal of time on imaginary adventures with Pepper (Pepper's motto came from the frequent refrain of his father "Do you believe you can do this?" when facing a danger in their game), so he is losing not only his parent, but also his playmate to the war.

One of Pepper's "heros" is a magician Ben Eagle, who comes to visit the town. Pepper is called up on the stage, and appears to move a bottle from one end of a table to the other, simply because he believed he could do it. This begins Pepper's conviction that he can bring his father home from the war.

When one of the local priests gives a sermon on faith the size of a mustard seed, Pepper goes looking for answers. The older priest in town takes this as an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, as it were. This introduces the secondary story line (And to me, personally, the more interesting story line) of an elderly Japanese gentleman (also an outcast) who returned to his home, after being released from one of the Japanese interment camps.

The priest finds a way to bring the two together, in the hopes that they will be able to help one another...

I won't tell you the rest of the story~ if you're intrigued you'll have to check it out for yourself. I *will* however, give you my impressions of the movie.

I watched it with a friend and my Eldest. I took seriously, and agree with, the PG13 rating. My Middlest kept Youngest occupied elsewhere while we watched (and DH watched football, but I think he would have enjoyed watching with us if the circumstances were different... ;) ).

Right off the bat we were struck with the beauty and quality of both the music and cinematography. It really felt as if you were being pulled into a Norman Rockwell painting. Well Done!  The acting went right along with that. I particularly enjoyed the Japanese character, Mr. Hashimoto.

As a general movie, I thought it was well done, and something that I could enjoy watching with appropriately aged friends and family~ no objectionable language, gratuitous violence, etc...

As a "Christian" film, I felt a bit of a "twinge" in the emphasis on an individual's faith "Do you believe you can do this?" vs placing that faith in God~ however, it opens up the opportunity to discuss real faith, vs an almost "Works-based" faith. Not a major criticism, but definitely worth keeping in mind, as you watch with your own worldview in mind. ;)

I will mention again the secondary story line that brought to light the discrimination shown towards Japanese-Americans during that time period. Not something that is mentioned quite as frequently as other acts of discrimination in our nation's history, which made it especially powerful.

All in all, I enjoyed the movie-watching experience, and would recommend this film to families with 13+ children, with the suggestion to enjoy it as a story, and then discuss it afterwards.

Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty 

• Company: FishFlix.com
• Product: Little Boy
• Ages: Personal recommendation~  PG13 
• Price: $18.99 List 

You can visit FishFlix.com on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ , and YouTube. 

Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Review Crew and see what others had to say about Little Boy, and the other films that were reviewed. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.

Blessings~

The Identical (A FlyBy Promotions Movie Review and Giveaway 1/23)

Some of you may have heard a little buzz about The Identical when it was released in select theaters this past September, and now it is coming out on DVD/BlueRay January13th, 2015.

I had the opportunity to watch this movie with some friends and family last week (In the comfort of a cozy living room), in order to bring you my thoughts on the film. First, here's a little trailer to give you a taste of what you find in the full movie:

Here is a blurb about the movie:
"The Identical: Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, and Blake Rayne is a redemptive movie about a young man, the son of a preacher, who rejects his father’s desire for him to join the ministry and instead embarks on a career as a rock singer. As he struggles to pursue his dream and rise to stardom, he finds love, pain, success, failure and ultimately uncovers a hidden family secret that reveals who he really us. The Identical is a captivating story about a family restored and a life discovered that lifts your soul and warms your heart."

Clearly, the film has a little bit of Elvis(Style both physically and vocally), a little bit of Jerry Lee Lewis, and a little bit of it's own story besides. The story was interesting enough that it caught our attention, the filming and acting were great, and the music was very listenable. 

While the film is promoted as "heart-warming" it didn't entirely live up to that description. There was a lot of loss and struggle that definitely made it too tense for my youngest to watch. That being said, we found it intriguing at times, slow moving at times, and sometimes we felt as if we were missing out on some of the story~ that we were intended to discern the thoughts of the characters as they stared off into the distance... 

All in all, I felt that this was a good effort, but it didn't *quite* hit the mark for me (to be a favorite). However, it is a respectable option for a "Teen+" family movie night. Elvis fans particularly will either love it (for the similarities) or hate it (for the similarities). 

You can run out and purchase this first thing in the morning, OR you can enter my giveaway for a free copy! :) 
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Official The Identical Facebook

Official The Identical Twitter

#theidentical 

Blessings~

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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

God's Not Dead (The Movie~ A Review) (2 thumbs up!)

My family and I recently had the opportunity to watch an advanced screening of God's Not Dead, which is coming to theaters across the country next Friday on March 21st. 
Keep up to date with them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Click the map to find a theater near you. Who knew there would be
so many showing a faith based movie on the liberal East Coast? WOW! 

The movie is an intense telling of the story of a young college freshman (Josh Wheaton) who stands up for his beliefs in his philosophy class, when he refuses to write "God's Not Dead" on his paper, as instructed. He is then invited by his staunchly atheistic professor to "Debate" him, and "prove" to his fellow classmates that God is not dead.

There are a number of side stories that follow various other characters (whose lives are somehow intertwined) and the choices *they* have to make, which give depth to the story, but add extremely emotional elements that are not suitable for children (hence the PG rating~ I would have been tempted to give it a PG-13 rating myself). 

Matthew 10:32, 33
 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges Me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven;  but whoever denies Me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven." 

This is a foundational point of the movie~ Check out the trailer below...



I know that "God's Not Dead" has been receiving some less than complimentary reviews from highly respected organizations run by Christians, who are concerned that this movie promotes evolution and will lead the younger generations down a slippery slope. 

I must disagree, and much of the rest of my review is more of a defense of the movie to Christian audiences, to whom I appeal to support the movie. 

Consider:  

While I am a literal creationist, and I appreciate and support those organizations who advance the scientific evidence for such, that is not the theme of this particular film. Thus, I feel making the Evolution/Creation debate a focus of any negative review is not fair to this movie. 

In the story, the character Josh is given a sum total of 60 minutes spread over 3 classes to persuade his fellow classmates that God is not dead (I suspect that he didn't have to persuade ALL of them, as many of them might have folded in to peer and other external pressures that we see Josh dealing with). His purpose in the limited time he has in front of his class is not to prove or disprove Theistic Evolution, but the very existence of God. 

In doing that, he uses quotes from scientists and atheists themselves to illustrate the point that the creation account is backed up by scientific theory. He uses the arguments and theories that his classmates are familiar with. The Big Bang theory itself points to God speaking the universe into existence (whether you agree with what follows in that theory or not). I applaud this quote from Josh in the movie "In other words the origins of the universe unfolded exactly as one would expect after reading the account in Genesis." He also says that for over 2000 years "The Bible had it right, and Science had it wrong." when speaking about those who believed in a steady state universe(no beginning and no end vs "In the beginning, God created"). 

Even though Josh starts off by saying that "most cosmologists now agree" that the world began billions of years ago, he never says that this is the position that he himself holds. He never says he agrees with evolution, (once again, in spite of his referring to what "most scientists agree on... " he's just stating the fact that most scientists agree (and as he pointed out before~ science can be wrong...). 

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that even if there is a sentence or two that could be construed as "acknowledging" Theistic Evolution, this movie deserves our support as it proclaims the truth that God is not dead, and that people need to make a choice.
Whether you choose to love God~ or choose to hate God, it is almost impossible to deny His existence. It follows that if you love God, you have come to terms with your sinful state~ as no man can serve two masters... 

Josh makes a key point when arguing with his atheistic professor that "What constitutes morality is a straight line that leads directly back to God." I don't know about you, but the image that immediately comes to mind when I hear that sentence is the cross... and there would be no need for the cross if there was no sin. Seems to me that what isn't being said should be "understood."

Whew! Now that I've said all that, I want to be sure you know that by and large, this is a very high quality production. The acting is excellent (Kevin Sorbo as the professor is phenomenal), as is the filming and orchestration (Which include not only the Newsboys, but a new single written and performed by Shane Harper who plays the main character, Josh Wheaton). I will say that I was disappointed because the conclusion of the story was a little anti-climactic and some of the dialogue was rather unrealistic given the situation.

Quote from my 16 year old: It's not a "Feel Good" movie, but it is a "Good" movie. It makes you think and promotes discussion. I think if you have the opportunity to see it, you should!  

I would love to see this film supported by as many people as possible, because unfortunately, money talks, and this is a good chance to show Hollywood that we want to see more good faith-based films. Please don't choose *not* to go based on what anyone else says~ go, and make your own decision. And bring your friends, whether they are Christians, unsaved, seekers, or atheists... you may be surprised at the outcome. There are so many good conversations that can be had about relationships, love, truth, and yes, scientific theory, but let those take a back seat to the main theme, especially leading up to Easter~ "God is NOT dead, He's surely ALIVE!" 

Blessings~

Disclaimer: I received a link to preview the movie God's Not Dead in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. 

*NOTE: The God's Not Dead website has all sorts of resources, including study guides, sermon ideas if you're into that sort of thing. 

"Coming Home For Christmas" Movie review and giveaway

Our family just watched a new Family Christmas Movie last night:

"Coming Home For Christmas"
While not an "Inspirational" or "Christian-themed" movie, it was a pleasant watch, with nothing objectionable for our 6 year old (Although there were some tensions that mostly flew over his head), requiring us fast forward or tell him not to watch. Always a point in any movie's favor! :) 

About "Coming Home for Christmas"~ When their parents separate, two sisters who haven't spoken in over 5 years reunite in order to try to bring them back together again. The "Brainstorm" idea is to try to recreate their last Christmas together (The last time they remembered their mother being happy). The only problem is that someone else lives in their old house~ 

When the movie starts out everything is just bad, bad, bad... fights, separation, unhappy family tensions. As my oldest pointed out... "there has to be some conflict to resolve...." It just so happens that it *mostly* all shows up at the beginning of the movie! Thankfully the rest of the movie is engaged in making things right. There are some corny moments, some sweet moments, and a lot of little humorous quips. Many of them are visual, so you can't be texting or on facebook if you want to catch them all. ;)

The main point to the movie is that family is important, friends are important, relationships are important, with a Christmas setting to back it up.

Director: Vanessa Parise

Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)

List Price: $14.99 Available at Walmart 

Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon

If you would like a chance to win your own copy, please make sure that the rafflecopter form below has loaded so you can enter.

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Blessings~

Ring The Bell Movie Giveaway (Ended)

Life has been a little crazy around here with all the baseball and dance schedules~ so I wasn't able to properly promote my giveaway for the "Ring The Bell" DVD.

This is a most excellent family friendly film (enjoyed by everyone in my family from the youngest to the oldest), and I recommend it to all!

The "official" synopsis:

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
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. 

A trailer for you to check out~


If the Rafflecopter form hasn't finished loading, you might want to read my review here, and then come back to enter! :)

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Blessings~

Ring The Bell~ Movie Review

I may be dating myself just a bit, but do any of you remember when the Wonderful World of Disney was on Sunday nights? If we hurried home from church we could usually see just about the whole movie. As an adult and a parent, I appreciate those memories, in part because so many of the movie options today are generally NOT palatable for those with young children. How I long for true "Family Friendly" feature films.

This is why our family was so excited (and blessed) to be able to review the new movie Ring The Bell. This movie features some of our favorite things... baseball, and music (including a performance by Casting Crowns). I should mention that I had hoped to get this review up LAST week, but the craziness of ... you guessed it... BASEBALL interfered (we're discovering how life rolls with TWO boys in baseball this year, added to the 2x/week dance schedule of the daughter...).

Here is the "official" synopsis:

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
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. 

Here's a trailer for you to check out~

So~ what did our family think? 
I am gratified to know that my children have developed the same sensibilities that I have regarding what is appropriate/not appropriate for general viewing, and they all, from the 5 yo to the 15 yo enjoyed being able to watch a movie that did not require muting, fast forwarding, or closing their eyes. 

What a relief not to hear obnoxious language, or themes that required "Censoring for the 5yo" (the only sensitive bit that would have bothered my eldest when she was 5, but didn't phase my current 5yo was a scene that included a brief, non-graphic discussion about a boy whose parents were in an accident). 

Although the movie is somewhat "slow-moving" that didn't bother any of us, and it fit the theme/subject matter of the film. My two eldest particularly enjoyed seeing the "Casting Crowns" performance, after having seen them live in concert last summer~ and CC gave a heartfelt message that will speak to the viewer as well as to the main character in the film. 

The videography is beautiful and well done. Left me with a very nostalgic, small-town, slower-pace-of-life feel that I enjoyed. The characters are well drawn, and my only negative is that there is a side-story romance that I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more ~ hard for me to jump from quiet attraction to suddenly holding hands, but that could just be me~ since it was a side-story, and not the main plot theme, perhaps it wasn't quite as relevant.

If you are looking for adventure, mystery, or action, you won't find it here. What you will discover is a feel-good story that touches on the mystique of "All-American, Baseball and Apple Pie" while telling about the greatest love story there is, and it might inspire you to want to go out and buy your own bell! :) 

Our family gives Ring the Bell 2 thumbs up!

Ring the Bell is available on DVD for only $19.99
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Blessings~

 

"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."

The Mighty Macs~ A Mighty Good Movie! (Opens tonight in theaters)

We don't go to the movies much~ mostly because we usually feel that there is nothing worth watching that won't offend our family (Ages 4-adult) sensibilities. Hollywood frequently has a way of slipping the unnecessary vulgarity, profanity and "Adult themes" into their offerings, not to mention the graphic violence. ICK!

This is one reason that I was happy to preview, and now recommend the new movie (Based on a true story) opening in theaters today, The Mighty Macs.

The Mighty Macs tells the narrative of Cathy Rush, a feisty basketball player with no coaching experience, who walks into tiny Immaculata College and  against all odds (no gym, no funds, and very little support to begin with) builds a real TEAM. Her girls grow together as a team to the point that they are able to take on even the biggest universities. Overcoming their challenges becomes even more exciting as this is the first year that women's college basketball will hold national championships.

My Eldest(14)  and my Youngest(4) chose to watch this with me instead of rooting for the Rangers in the World Series with my Middlest and DH. Youngest now claims that Women's Basketball is better than Mens.... ;) Funny little boy!  I suppose that's a pretty good endorsement, tho, as it kept his attention the entire time. There is a fair amount of action on the court, and a touch of humor, which my Eldest particularly enjoyed.



The Mighty Macs was blessedly free from vulgarities, and there were only a couple of times that I was surprised by indirect themes ( a bar/restaurant scene that includes drinking beer and a slight innuendo that would go over most heads is actually one of the funnier moments in the movie, and at a certain point the concept that the end justifies the means was introduced). However, these weren't overdone or in-your-face. At the worst, they offer an opportunity to discuss with older kids. Generally speaking, the greater themes of Faith, Belief, and Trust win out. In fact, Cathy Rush, the players, and the Nuns from Immaculata previewed the movie, and felt that The Mighty Macs was a good representation of the true story.

So, if you are looking for a good, wholesome movie to take the family to, this could be a great option for you. If you would like to send a message to Hollywood that you would like to see quality family movies more common than rare, then attending this opening weekend would help to make that statement.

You can visit The Mighty Macs on Facebook, Twitter, and The Mighty Macs website where you can find out where The Mighty Macs is playing near you.

I hope you enjoyed this review and found it helpful as you decide whether to spend your dollars at the theater or not.

Blessings~

 
Disclaimer~ I received the ability to preview this movie from my home in order to bring you this review. The opinions stated are my own, and were not influenced in any way.

Beverly Lewis' "The Shunning" Hallmark Movie Review and Giveaway

Growing up in Montana, and having only 2 TV stations, my family almost always made a point of watching the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. Sometimes they were classics ( I remember them playing an old black and white movie, "The Black Swan" starring Tyrone Power...), and other times made-for-tv movies.  However, it has been a long time since we've been able to watch any Hallmark movies. That is one reason why I was excited to be asked to review The Hallmark Channel's The Shunning, based on the book by Beverly Lewis.

Here is some information about the movie from the publisher: 

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie 


Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead.  Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted. 


The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.


BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning" 


Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books.  Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide.  A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies.  In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

You can watch the Trailer here  and you can also check out The Shunning on Facebook if that is your speed. 

The Shunning is a beautifully filmed story. Michael Landon Jr. carries on his father's legacy quite well. The cast is well chosen and very emotively talented.  The subject of the Amish makes it feel like something set in another time and place. For someone who doesn't live in Lancaster County, PA, or another Amish community, it is amazing to realize that the story is set in the present time. I felt it was very authentic, however. The farmhouses made me recall with fondness our visit to a friend's home in Ohio in Amish Country a few years ago. 

As Katie Lapp struggles to discover her identity, wise words are given by Ella Mae Zook in one of my favorite scenes. She advises her that miracles are found in the life you HAVE, not the life you miss. Good advice, fancy or plain~ to look for God where you ARE, not where you wish to be.

This is a movie that I've found myself thinking about after watching it, which is always a good sign. :) I am glad to have added this to our family's library, and think it would make a great gift (think Christmas) for the movie-lover in your life. 


Now, here's the good news~ if you don't get the Hallmark Channel, you can purchase the DVD (Check out Family Christian, among other retailers), and you can also sign up for a giveaway here on my blog! :) 


Details:Giveaway is open till 12 noon, EST October 3, 2011  October 7, 2011due to technical difficulties @ Blogger.....

IMPORTANT~ you MUST leave me a way to contact you if are the winner~ so please, make sure that I can email you from your profile or leave your email in your comment. Thanks! :) and FYI~ this giveaway is open everywhere, not US only! :D Yay!

1. Mandatory entry~(2 step) Leave a comment telling me where you heard about this giveaway, AND what Beverly Lewis Title is your favorite, or which title you would most like to read :) 

Optional entries:

1. Follow me via GFC (Leave a comment)
2. Follow me via Blog Frog(Leave a comment)
3. Like my page on Facebook (Please like me with your personal page, and leave a comment with your FB name)
4. Follow me on Twitter (Leave a comment with your Twitter ID) 
5. Post about this giveaway on Facebook(including a link to this post) and leave me a link to your post (up to 3 entries, one/day)
6. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter leave me a link to the tweet (up to 5 entries, one/day)  Please include the following 5 items in your tweet~ @acornsofgold #giveaway #theshunning #BeverlyLewis , and a link to this post.
7. Post a "Thoughtful" comment on one of my previous blog posts~

OK, that's about it~ plenty of ways to enter~

Blessings~

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.