The next film on my 25 Days of Christmas movies was "Christmas Do-Over." With a child on the cover and Jay Mohr, I was pretty sure I would find something to enjoy.
Movie Six
Christmas Do-Over
Starring: Jay Mohr, Daphne Zuniga, and Adrienne Barbeau
About the Movie (from Barnes & Noble): A ne'er do well father and ex-husband who always raced his way through
the holidays is forced to relive Christmas Day time and again until he
gets it right in this family oriented fantasy comedy starring Jay Mohr.
It's Christmas time once again, and as usual Kevin (Mohr) is scrambling
to get his son Ben a last minute gift before stopping by his ex-wife
Jill's house for a quick swig of eggnog. Ben can't stand Jill's
impossibly perfect new boyfriend, and the prospect of spending the
entire evening with his former inlaws is nearly too painful to ponder.
But this Christmas things are going to be different, because this
Christmas might just last forever. At first Kevin resists the curious
development by simply reverting to his childish ways, though he is about
to find out that sometimes in order to build a better future one must
finally make amends with the past.
My Review: Kevin is definitely a bit on the self-centered side. He is invited to his in-laws' home for a Christmas celebration and drags his feet the whole way. He, of course, wants to see his son, but he is not really thrilled about family time with the ex, her family and her new boyfriend. Of course Kevin's son is thrilled to have the family together and doesn't care about anything other than that and wishes that it was Christmas every day.
In the fame of "Groundhog Day," Christmas repeats itself again and again with only Kevin realizing what is going on. Kevin is not remotely delighted to spend the same day again and again with his ex and her family and acts out like the selfish man he is. But a change may come if he is willing to open his heart and his eyes.
"Christmas Do-Over" is a sweet Christmas film. There is a lesson to be learned which makes it nice for the family. Don't dig too deep though because there are a lot of things that would make you dismiss the magic of the sweet spot of this story. Well, once Kevin stops being a creep. :)
I would give this one 3 Stars. I liked it. I would possibly watch it again, but it would not be a yearly thing.
Here's the trailer:
I love that we now h ave DirectTV because it means with have the UP Channel which used to be GMC. A few weeks ago I set up the movie "The Perfect Summer" for a little weekend viewing. The weekend got away from me though. So here's a ittle review time.
The Perfect Summer
Swirl Films
Level Path Productions
Word Entertainment
Up Entertainment
Starring: Eric Roberts, Sidney Penny, Adam Horner, JD Banks, Katie Garfield and Jason Castro.
About the movie (from UP site):
In The Perfect Summer, fatherless teenager Jake (Adam Horner) was happy
living in Chicago, until his mother (Sydney Penny) decided to uproot
them to a small surfing town where her estranged father (Eric Roberts),
Jake’s grandfather, lives. The transition isn’t easy for anyone and it
seems everywhere he goes, Jake manages to make enemies, including the
town bully, Tyler (JD Banks), who doesn’t like the new interloper or his
interest in young surfing prodigy, Kayla (Katie Garfield). Stuck in the
beach town with no friends and no knowledge of surfing, Jake has
nowhere to turn until Cody (Jason Castro), the local surf shop owner,
reveals that Jake’s grandfather is a surf legend. Tired of feeling like
an outcast, Jake asks Lou to teach him about surfing. Jake learns to
face his fears, push through inhibitions and realizes that winning the
respect of his new peers – and Katie’s heart – might mean facing the
biggest challenge of his life.
My Review:
I love a good summer movie. Add a real message, and it gets even better. There are several messages touched on through various characters in the film. One of the most important is to keep trying and not quit. Jake learns this as he battles learning to surf and learning to care about making a life in his new surroundings. The story isn't all about Jake though. We also get an opportunity to see a little bit of mom and grandpa's struggles as well.
Jake has moved with his mom from Chicago to Carolina Beach. Now you might think that this would be a complete dream come true, but it is never really easy being the new kid. Add the fact that you are leaving all you know and have suffered a pretty strong loss, baby steps are needed as well as lots of understanding. Jake is not a surly teen, but he is definitely out of his element and not afraid to share that with his family. Compounding the troubles of moving to a new town is the stereotypical bully who has set his jealous sites on Jake.
Jake's mom is just trying to get back on her feet. They are making a new start with her dad, but it is still all new. She doesn't have a very strong relationship with her father. Letting go just might be difficult. Of course the task of just getting a job is at the forefront of her to-do list.
Grandpa has some time on his hand. He uses that time to volunteer at his church and eventually to teach his grandson the finer points of surfing.
What I liked: I liked the scenery. I liked that everything wasn't perfect from the get go. As a person who has done her own bit of moving, I appreciated the realness of the struggle, but also that things can be worked out with some effort. I liked that Celebrate Recovery is also featured in the film. I have friends who are part of Celebrate Recovery. It is a wonderful ministry that truly helps people with all sorts of hurts, habits and hang ups. I enjoyed the music featured in the film as well with artists I enjoy like Jason Castro, Big Daddy Weave, and Dara Maclean.
Favorite quote (from Jake's grandfather): "The man you'll be tomorrow depends on the man you choose to be today."
Rating: I would give The Perfect Summer 5 out of 5 stars for a TV movie. The casting was well done. The story was told nicely. There were definitely moments that I could really feel.
Final note: Currently I have only been able to watch The Perfect Summer on UPtv. I do hope that at some point they will release it to video. It is definitely one to watch.
Side note: I was thrilled to see Sydney Penny in a film again. I remember when she was in "The Thorn Birds" when I was a kid and a Clint Eastwood movie called "Pale Rider" WAY back in the day. She has always been a favorite of mine.
FREEBIE - Download Jason Castro's song "Good Love" which is featured in the movie by heading over to his website via this link. No idea how long that will last so head on over.
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
The Book of Esther
Pure Flix Entertainment
Starring: Thaao Penghlis, Marco Khan, Joel Smallbone, Jen Lilley, Mark Irvingsen, David Pires and
Hadeel Sittu.
About the film (from Christian Movie Database):
The Book of Esther – Good battles evil in this timeless story of Biblical heroism.
When Ester becomes King Xerxes’ queen, her Cousin Mordecai and that
despicable Haman engage in a dangerous game of intrigue for control of
the young Persian King Xerxes.
It’s not secret that Haman plans to exterminate the Jews, but Haman’s
plan include something horrible for Mordecai and his people. It is up
to Mordecai’s cousin Esther to win the affection of the King, unmask
Haman’s treachery and save the Jewish people.
Can Esther convince her husband to spare her people – even though she may be putting her own life at risk?
Based upon the book of Esther, this delightful retelling emphasizes the value of courage, faith and obedience.
My Review:
The movie "The Book of Esther"takes some liberties with the bible's "Book of Esther" but it truly does admit such and does stick with the purpose of the story. Viewers are advised from the get go to read for themselves the whole story. My hope is that anyone seeing this film, would be so moved because although the book does honor the truth of the story, it is a bit diluted by the first half pretty much covering Esther and her overly strong desire to be married (literally she harps on it a tad too often) and some terribly corny jokes. For example, a neighbor woman, Judith often jokes about her marriage to her husband Jacob. Thankfully we never see Jacob enter the film for if he were, I am fairly certain it would be an "Everybody Loves Raymond" marriage of the bumbling husband and the long-suffering wife. In my opinion, "The Book of Esther" suffers from these moments of comic relief.
The second half of the film is far more redeeming. God's purpose for Esther's marriage to King Xerxes is finally revealed during this part of the film, and it is very well done and well acted. This is not to say that the first half isn't well acted, it is. I really felt more that I was enduring the first half of the story while waiting for the good stuff.
All in all, I am glad I watched the film. I know there is another film on Esther, and I do plan on watching it as well. I do admire Esther a great deal, and have learned much from that book in the Bible. The truth in Esther's actions being incredibly dangerous and heroic doesn't come out as strongly as I wish it would in this film. Because of the position God placed Esther, she was able to literally thwart a plan of genocide against the Jewish people. That is HUGE! This is a good film. There is just something lacking. I felt more like I was watching a film of a play rather than a film that takes you into a different place and time. I would give this film a light 3 stars.
Personal Pet Peeve: I find bad wigs incredibly distracting in films. It would be much better to see an actor with short hair or no hair have either their natural locks or lack of rather than see obvious wigs in a movie depicting this time period.
Side Note: I watched this film via Netflix streaming. I am so thankful that Netflix has such a great selection of Christian films and family friendly films.
I love finding family friendly films that I can feel good about, I like it even more when they are of good quality. Faith-based films are my absolute favorite. Today we watched WWJD II: The Woodcarver via Netflix streaming. There is a clip of the film at the bottom of this review.
What Would Jesus Do
Nasser Entertainment
About the film:
Matthew is a troubled boy from a broken home. When he vandalizes the
local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the
damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the
church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver
who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed.
Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church’s
beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore
their faith in God and in life.
Starring: John Ratzenberger, Dakota Daulby, Anthony Harrison, Stephen E. Miller, and Nicole Oliver.
My Review:
Matthew's world is crumbling around him, and he is lashing out in every way he can think of. He has quit school, is withdrawn, and has destroyed church property. Ernest is a man who is still reeling from his own loss. Matthew destroyed much of what Ernest built for the church and has started working with Ernest to fix the damages on the outside of the building and the inside of his heart.
The story is done quite well with really excellent acting on all sides. From the beginning opening music to the flow of the story, I was drawn in. Sometimes a faith based film can seem rather cheaply done, poorly written or badly acted. That was entirely not the case for this film. Ernest and Matthew develop a bond immediately, and the older man helps the teen deal with the pain from his broken home and the teen and his family show the elder wood carver that God indeed has a purpose even now for his life even without his bride by his side.
I would strongly recommend this film for any family member. There is a great message. It is appropriate for all ages, but in my opinion I would probably look at the age to start at around 8 or 9. This is a good time for them to get a message of deciding what Jesus would do in their own circumstances. It is a very clean film.
My rating of smiles would be to definitely rate it a five out of five smiles. It is truly well done.
It has been a crazy busy time and I am so glad to have finally had the opportunity to enjoy a nice family friendly film. I try to purchase family friendly films when I have the opportunity and try also to focus on those with faith-based messages, but being family friendly is good on any level. The movie following I watched via Netflix Instant Streaming.
Johnny
Pure Flix Entertainment
Starring - Mel Fair, Lee Majors, Jerry Phillips, Aubryn Cole, Musetta Vander
About the film: Johnny is an inspirational family story about loss and how one young
boy's mission, before he is called to heaven, makes a difference for a
family struggling to find their way back after a tragedy devastates
them. When Dr. Drew Carter (Mel Fair) tragically lost his ten year old
son in a car accident while his wife Julia (Musetta Vander) was driving,
he didn't expect to lose his whole family as well. Since the accident,
Julia is emotionally absent from Drew and their daughter Kayla (Aubyn
Cole). When Dr. Miller (Lee Majors) refers Johnny (Jerry Phillips), a
foster child with leukemia, to Drew the wheels start to turn as he sees a
chance to heal his family.
Johnny doesn't know what he is in for,
but is convinced he's there for a special mission; a mission revealed
when he enters Dr. Carter's world. This film shines brightly with hope
and will move your heart and soul with its message of redemption,
salvation and forgiveness.
"Dove Family Approved" from The Dove Foundation. Awarded 5 out of 5 Doves and recommended for ages 12+.
My review - Johnny is a story about damage and about purpose. Even the lives that are here for just a short time have a purpose set by God. Johnny has an aggressive form of leukemia. If there was ever a prognosis that wasn't good, it is Johnny's. Although Johnny is fully aware of his situation, He has an outlook on life that is amazing. He memorizes words of scripture, holds onto and shares God's promises, and knows that no matter what God has a purpose for his life. He is completely open to God's will. He has complete faith in God which he shares openly and bravely.
Dr. Carter and his family take him in. His daughter who has been suffering from a mom who is mentally and emotionally absent from her and her father's life is excited about having Johnny in her home. He is funny and kind. She opens up her home and heart to him and God right away. Dr. Carter has opened his heart and listens to Johnny. He enjoys the child's company a great deal and gains a new insight. Sadly his wife Julia is not ready for Johnny to live with them. She deals with the decision her husband has made, but her heart is so torn up. There is no room in her life for this boy when her heart is still torn to shreds over the loss of her son. She has no interest in attaching to another child especially when that child is knocking at death's door.
Things that stood out to me:
Setting - I cannot mention this film without saying how much I enjoyed the setting. I do not know where it was filmed, but I was ready to move there. Combine green grass and an ocean with some pretty blue skies...take me away.
Characters -
I loved that the characters were flawed but real. Certainly you aren't going to run into Johnny every day, but there are people just like him everywhere. People who are facing deep trials but shining God's love to others. Now some, like Johnny, may have an illness that is obvious to the eye, but others have circumstances that you may never know of, but they love with all they have rather than let the pain get them down. They know that God has a purpose for their lives.
I liked that there was realism in the family dynamic. Mom was really struggling. Her husband brings this sweet kid home, and she is just wigged out. She is in real pain over her loss. Pain that she is told she needs to move on from. That is not an easy thing to do. It was realistic that not everyone is just ready to paint rainbows and find happy ever after, because life is not always happy ever after and many of us also have a pain that we are still clinging to. This doesn't mean we should be clinging to our pain, but it does happen.
Actors -
Great job with all. Loved the child actors. They were incredible. Loved seeing Lee Majors in a Christian film too.
Final thought -
Johnny is a sweet story about forgiveness of self and others. It is sometimes breezy and easy but it also has very serious moments. Will it tug at your heart? Yes. Will it inspire you? Absolutely. I did say it is family friendly, but I would definitely have a family viewing starting at about age 8 or 9 with the kiddos.
I have a smile rating and I would give this one 4.5 smiles out of 5. :)
There are lots of great films out there and some with awesome messages. However it can get harder and harder to find them. I like to make a point of watching at least one family friendly or inspirational film a week. I see it a little bit as modeling for my son but also it is important to me. Having been raised with a brother seven years older, I truly cut my teeth on Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson films. Yes, I too made guns out of Legos and whatever else I could get my hands on. I love romance, but action and thrillers get me every time. What also gets me, a story that touches the heart. You can find a lot of stories just like this if make a point of looking for them via streaming Netflix and Amazon.
Amazing Love - The Story of Hosea
Starring: Sean Astin, Erin Bethea, Sammi Hanratty, Savannah Jayde, Terrance Hardy Jr., Kenton Duty, Creagen Dow, Tehmina Sunny, Elijah Alexander, and Patty Duke.
About the film: When a materialistic, self-involved teen threatens to ruin a youth group
camping trip, the group's leader uses the conflict as an opportunity to
share the story of the Old Testament prophet Hosea, who inspires true
commitment and unconditional love.
My review: Ashley, Carrie, Cooper, Steve and Gameboy are all going on a youth group camping trip with their youth pastor, Stuart and his wife Beth. The kids are all pretty tight as many youth group kids are with the exception of Ashley. Ashley is a beautiful girl who has a bit of a self-centered attitude. She is going on the trip because her grandma is pushing her to go. Her attitude is to just get through it. This annoys Carrie to bits. She doesn't appreciate Ashley's snobbishness and has her own preconceived notions about the new addition. Steve however thinks that Ashley is just misunderstood and needs a chance. Of course with a big chip on her shoulder, Ashley doesn't make it easy for anyone to give her that chance. She feels no one understands her or what she has gone through.
Things don't go terribly well with the kids and Stuart decides to share the story of Hosea and Gomer with the kids. The story of Hosea is a story of God's love for His stiff necked, rebellious and disloyal people.
Amazing Love is two stories in one. The main one really is the telling of Hosea and Gomer. The secondary, story involving the kids really unfolds first. That part is good, but the real heart and soul that is going to get you is Hosea. What is cool though is how in the end, it all really intertwines so well together. Hosea learned how God felt when Israel turned their backs on Him and worshiped false idols. He felt it on the level of being a man married to and in love with a woman who was completely unfaithful to him. There was a line in the story that really hit home for me where Hosea is talking with God in anguished prayer not understanding how God would love this unlovable people who did not act loving toward Him. He said "You love us because your love is not dependent on us." Awesome right?
I am going to stop here in order to not give much away. Although let's face it, you can read Hosea and get the gist of that story, but this one is really told well. Yep, I kind of cried a bit.
The movie does not have difficult themes for kids. I would say it is another story that would be acceptable for about ages 12 and up. Just keep in mind that Gomer was not a very faithful chick. Nothing is seen but her unfaithfulness is obvious. Check it out on Netflix streaming. I give this movie four out of five big ole smiles.
I hope that Netflix continues to have streaming for family friendly films with a Christian message. It is so nice having the opportunity to watch films that touch the heart and offer encouragement. This weekend we watched "Set Apart."
Set Apart
Starring: Richard Roundtree, John Schneider, Ary Katz, Brandon Wilson, Sarah Lilly, Randy Gunn, Heidi Gunn, Marina Shtelen, and Ronnie Alvarez.
About the film: Pastor John Gunn sends a group of urban youngsters to spend a summer on a
working ranch, hoping they'll learn what city life can't teach them.
With his brother and sister-in-law and a tough-love ranch hand, the kids
gain some hard-earned wisdom.
My Review: Set Apart lightly highlights the ministry of Power Company Kids Club and their work with inner city youth. There are a few of the children that go to the Power Company Kids Club that are currently in what could be described as a high-crisis situation. Two brothers are struggling with gang participation, one young man is caught up in a cycle of theft, and a young girl has lost it all. When Pastor John's brother Randy and Randy's wife Heidi's ministry GunnPoint come near town for a cowboy mounted shooting event, John shares with them about these kids and their need to have a real life changing experience. John feels that some time spent away from the city and the problems in their lives and instead spent on the Gunn ranch and with their ministry would be a huge help to these kids. His brother agrees and the kids partake in a life changing experience.
Things do not happen easily at the ranch. There are new rules and new skills to learn. The kids draw closer together and closer to the staff. They begin to see themselves with a new confidence and working as a team instead of on their own brings a real change in their lives. They also draw closer to God.
The movie itself is well acted. There are some parts that my son described as corny, but it was sweet. It also drew some tears out of me when I least expected it. It is a low budget film with a good message that I think you'll enjoy. There are violent situations but more implied and threatened. This is not a movie for younger children. I checked out the Dove rating, and they said that it was suitable for ages 12 and up. I would agree with that. The fact is a younger child is not going to get the message that it is giving. It is not a film that a smaller child is going to relate to. I will find some of those though. :)
I would rate it four out of five smiles. :)
I watched Set Apart via Netflix streaming. It is also available for purchase at Amazon.com.
