Pardoned by Grace: Faith Behind the Wire (Movie Review)

 

Rarely do I find a faith based film that I am eager to share with others.  I tend to be a little more judgmental with these types of films and want to make sure I know my audience before sharing.  

But this film has some big names even if it's not a big budget/box office blockbuster movie.  Joey Lawrence, Michael W. Smith, and Ben Graham.  

Long story short, I give this movie 5 stars and highly recommend it!  

The world we make

A movie worth checking out...

Horse lovers and fans of heartland will be drawn to this movie! 

"On the brink of graduating high school, spirited equestrian Lee (Rose Reid) hatches a plan to travel cross-country on horseback, believing it will inspire a clear vision of her future.  Jordan (Caleb Castille) is an ambitious academic and athletic standout, planning to take an athletic scholarship and move out west.  But when a tragedy impacts their dreams, their friendship unexpectedly escalates, blossoming into a romance.  As critical voices develop over their relationship, they must decide if their dreams are worth fighting for...and if they can make a world where they have a future together."

Available on Netflix or from Amazon.

**I give this movie 5 stars**

Death in Paradise

Who's seen "Death in Paradise"?  ✋  I accidentally stumbled across this BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) show a few years ago on Netflix.  Not normally one for mysteries, I thought I'd give it a try anyway and guess what happened?  Yup, I was hooked!  After watching several seasons I decided it was something my husband would like as well, so I had him watch a few episodes.  Guess what happened?  Yup...he was hooked too.  🙂 

We've eagerly been anticipating the release of Series (season) 8 this month and were not disappointed!  Since I work at a library (and order the DVDs) I made sure it was pre-ordered so we would receive it as soon as possible (I even ordered from the BBC Shop because you get it sooner than ordering from Amazon!).  We watched the entire season within a few nights and passed it off to a co-worker and her husband who are hooked on the show as well. 

If you're looking for a new series to start I highly recommend this one!  An added bonus is the beautiful location that it takes place in...I mean really, who wouldn't want to sit around and look at an amazing beach?! (I have this exact picture from the show hanging up at my desk at work!)

Interested in learning more about the show?  Click here. 

Check out the Series 8 trailer...

Nail 32

Wow...I don't often blog about movies, but when I do, you know they're what I consider to be the best of the best!  "Nail 32", a little known movie that released in 2015, is what I would consider a small, low budget movie.  So small, in fact, it's actually hard to get your hands on a copy unless you purchase directly from the website.  There are no big name actors, fancy movie sets, or high tech film techniques.  But don't let all that scare you off from watching it.  Have I lost you yet?  😊  I hope not - keep reading.  

Every summer one of my family's highlights is always the rodeo that takes place at our county fair. Barrel racing, bronc riding, and rodeo clowns just about says it all!  

When I first heard about this movie, it grabbed my attention and I knew I had to watch it.  A true story about a rodeo cowboy who was told that there was no such thing as a "Christian Cowboy".  (What???)

It took a while to get my hands on a copy of the movie (I was purchasing it for the library where I work).  There may have been a delay in production or something else pushed back the availability of the film, but I was in contact with the films website for months trying to find out when it would become available.  I was finally able to order it....and then I waited.  It arrived earlier this week and I was able to watch it tonight.  It did not disappoint!

Full of truth (minus the part about there not being any Christian Cowboys), this movie had me laughing as well as crying.  I was glad I was home alone.  I was quickly caught up in the life of Buck, and those he came in contact with during his life.  I think the thing that got to me the most was remembering it was based on a true story while I was watching it.  They even wrapped it up nicely at the end by having one of the real life people in Buck's life talk for a few minutes.

 I give this movie 5 stars and recommend it as a must watch!  

Some background on the movie (http://www.nail32.com/about):

Jasper ‘Buck’ Livingston made a decision early in his life that influenced and changed the cowboy culture.  Through failure and disappointment he learned that although one person cannot change the world, it takes only one to start. Buck strategized his life purpose one cowboy at a time.

Woven within the film is Buck’s incredible life journey as a rodeo cowboy, rancher father, and preacher.  It’s an exhilarating and emotional true to life story of an ordinary man from north Texas who served an extraordinary purpose.

The film depicts the grueling travels of the rodeo circuit, from the backbreaking bull riding to the musical oasis of the honkytonks.  It portrays both the picturesque culture of the American rancher while dispensing cowboy pride and simplistic life solutions. 

Just as 32 nails attach the shoes to a horse; ‘Nail 32’ clenches the importance of men being courageous, honorable, and truly God fearing!  As each nail serves a purpose; each life matters. 

Can a cowboy be a Christian and can a Christian be a cowboy?  Either way you answer it, ‘Nail 32’ encourages all men to find the Lord before you need Him, and never, ever sell out your pride or saddle - 'Cause life's a long, long ride'. 

Interested in purchasing a copy for yourself?  Stop by JC Films website, or try to obtain a copy on Amazon.

Woodlawn

From Amazon:

In 1973, a spiritual awakening captured the heart of nearly every player on the Woodlawn High School football team. Their dedication to love and unity, in a newly desegregated school filled with racism and hate, leads to the largest high school football game ever played in the torn city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the rise of superstar, Tony Nathan.

My thoughts:

Last year our family had the opportunity to attend a pre-screening, red carpet event for the movie Woodlawn.  The venue for this film was 30 minutes from our house, and while we only knew bits and pieces about the movie, we were looking forward to attending.  An added bonus was that it was rumored there would be several of the actors in attendance for a Q & A afterwards!

Because we were not familiar with the story-line, we debated on taking our three children with us (11, 11, 14 years).  We had received our tickets from our church, and were assured it was a film our family would enjoy (the pastor we spoke with knew our children).  When we arrived at the Morris, there were a few people standing around outside the doors.  Because the seats were not reserved, we had wanted to get there early so we could get decent seats.  The venue where the movie was shown seats 1,302 people; sitting in one of the top balcony's was not an option for our family (we ended up getting main floor seats, toward the front - yay us!).

The movie was phenomenal!  Our three children were captivated, often sitting on the edge of their seat, deeply involved in the story.  While there were a few minor intense scenes, they were handled very well, in a way that was not too intense for children over the age of 10 (in my opinion).  There's a website I use both professionally and personally to check out the content of a movie, and I would highly recommend it to any parent. Common Sense Media is a great tool; there's a section entitled "What Parents Need to Know", this is where they spell it out for you...they try to list all the language, violence, sex, etc. that you will see in the movie, and they also give age recommendations for viewing the movie.  I can not say enough good things about this website...I absolutely love it!  Make sure you stop by and bookmark the page.

Back to the movie...There were a few bigger named actors that were in the film:

• Sean Astin ( Mom's Night Out, Goonies, Lord of the Rings, 24, Do You Believe)
• Jon Voight (24, Mission Impossible, Pearl Harbor)
• Kevin Downes (Mom's Night Out, Redeemed, Courageous)

One up and coming, fantastic newcomer in the movie was Caleb Castille (his story on how he got the part is a must read). The actors all did a great job portraying the many different characters throughout the movie, adding their own little tweaks to these real-life people.  Sean Astin, Kevin Downes, & Caleb Castille were all at the Q & A after the movie, it was interesting to hear what they had to say.

Everyone that attended this premier received a green rubber bracelet with the word "Woodlawn" on it...one of our daughters is still wearing her bracelet today!

We recently re-watched the movie, and realized, yet again, what a powerful story it tells, and the awesomeness that it was even put in to theaters in today's world.  Oftentimes faith-based movies have a limited run in theaters, or they go straight to the DVD market.  Viewing these types of movies when they come out at the cinema is vital to the future success of faith-based movies. Letting the entertainment industry know that we desire more clean, family friendly movies is key in getting them produced in the future.

If you (and your family) have not yet seen "Woodlawn", I greatly recommend viewing it at your earliest convenience.  And don't just watch it and forget about it...tell others and help spread the word!

Grace Unplugged

                                                

Editorial Reviews

Having just turned 18, Grace Trey (AJ Michalka) aspires to more than just singing at her church, where the worship leader is her father (James Denton), a former pop star. With the help of her dad's former manager, Grace runs away to Los Angeles and begins to taste the kind of stardom she's always dreamed about. Yet with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels more and more pressure to compromise her values, further straining her relationship with her parents. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith or rediscover it? With a star-studded cast, inspiring soundtrack and amazing musical performances, GRACE UNPLUGGED is a heartwarming film that "entertains while bringing families closer together" (Focus on the Family).

 

My thoughts...

When we find a movie that is dove approved, and truly friendly for the family, we love to share that news with others! 

When I first learned of Grace Unplugged, I knew it sounded like a movie that our entire family would enjoy.  While the dove foundation gives it a dove approval for ages 12 and up, I decided to do some searching and see what might be inappropriate for our 9 year olds in it.  After reading the reviews and spoiler alerts, we decided to go ahead and watch it as a whole family, which would allow us to have a discussion time at the end if it was so needed. 

While there were a few things that came up under the "sex" category, they either went over our daughters heads or they just went unnoticed.  They didn't really realize what the "lingerie" was supposed to imply that was "gifted" to one of the girls, and they didn't catch the "sleeping around" phrase that was mentioned. 

What they did catch on to was the disrespectful and dishonest attitude that Grace had during parts of the movie.  These were great teachable moments when we discussed right from wrong, inappropriate and appropriate behavior. 

Overall, Grace Unplugged ended up being a great movie experience for our entire family, one we would definitely recommend to others!

Interested in picking up your own copy?  You can purchase it here.

Flicka 3 - Country Pride

 About the movie:

 

When Toby takes on a managing job at a boarding stable with Flicka in tow, the owner's teenage daughter Kelly quickly bonds with the wild horse. Kelly, a budding equestrian rider, would love to break Flicka for her team's competition, however, her mother Lindy doesn't want to get her hopes up, as their stable may soon be for sale. With the competition coming up and a rival trainer stealing business, Toby steps in to train Kelly's team and save the stable.

Rated G by the Motion Picture Association of America. 

My thoughts:

Are you looking for a great family movie to watch safely together?  Are you tired of all the crude language and inappropriate scenes in most movies today?  Do you cringe wondering what your child(ren) will see while watching a movie?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, then this just may be the next best movie for your family! Haven't seen Flicka 1 or 2?  No worries, you can still enjoy this one!

I loved being able to sit down with my twins to watch this movie and not having to be on my guard, ready to shut the DVD off if the need arose.  This was just a good, clean movie that we all loved!  My girls even said, "I hope there is a Flicka 4!"  ( I know, I know, they have a lot to learn when it comes to sequels!)

The storyline was gripping, and I loved watching Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black with their budding relationship in the movie!  (It was great to be able to tell my girls that they were married to each other in real life!)  There were also some teachable/discussable moments that took place; bullying, snobbishness/pettiness of teen girls, standing up for your friends, doing the right thing, etc. 

I enthusiastically give this movie 5 Stars for family friendliness, and  will be suggesting it to everyone I run across this summer at work (Public Library) and at play!

Cars 2 - Rated G

My family was highly anticipating the theater arrival of this movie, we absolutely, hands down, all LOVED the first one!  We all have our favorites; McQueen, Mater, Sally, and the list goes on.

For being a sequel, this was a good movie (although I think I still prefer the first one)...

There were a few life lessons to be learned, mostly at Mater's expense.  No matter if people ridicule you, or label you, being yourself is always the best option.  You can change your outward appearance, but when it comes down to it, you are still who you are on the inside, and that is what matters the most.

Reflecting back; Nothing stands out that would hinder me from recommending this movie to my friends!  There may have been a few comments of adult humor that my husband and I got, but nothing that our 10 and 7 year olds understood.

As with most movies, there were some slower points through out, but on average, it kept everyone's attention.  The traveling throughout the different cities/countries was fun, we were pointing out different landmarks, etc. to the kids while the credits rolled.

Bottom line?  If you are looking for a good, clean, family friendly movie, Cars 2 has my vote!

Star Rating:  5 for family friendly