FAMILY FRIENDLY FILMS - REVIEW
One of my favorite things about Netflix streaming is the opportunity to watch just about any variety of film that you want. I spend a lot of time catching up on my favorite sitcoms and series, but lately I have also been spending some time really focusing on finding family friendly films. With the new year here, I want to be more intentional about watching encouraging films. My hope is to not just find a family friendly film, but also a film with a message.
The Letter Writer
Bridgestone Multimedia Group
Starring - Aley Underwood, Bernie Diamond, Pam Eichner and Brandon Luke Bringhurst
About the film: When Maggy Fuller (Aley Underwood) receives an anonymous letter full of praise and encouragement, she can?t imagine who would say such wonderful things to her. After all, the rebellious teenager is practically invisible to her dad and a disappointment to her mom. Her search for the mysterious letter?s author leads her Sam Worthington (Bernie Diamond), an aging man who tries to change the world using a pen name, a phone book, and one handwritten note at a time. Maggy?s unlikely new friend seems to know her better than anyone and inspires her to become a letter writer, too, but a tragedy tests her faith, forcing her to continue her search for her own purpose in life.
My Review:
Maggie is a pretty self-focused teenaged girl. She has dreams for her band and what is important to her. Her priorities though are pretty skewed, but she is young and sometimes the young just need a lesson in order to get on track. It can be exceptionally hard to get off the self track when you are in a single parent home and you are in your rebellious phase. At that point the very ones who love you most are often the ones you feel could care less and understand you the least. This is pretty much Maggy's view. Other than her band, she feels pretty much like a giant zero.
Then Maggy gets a letter in the mail. The letter speaks to Maggy in a way that seems like the author knows her and wants to encourage her. It reminds her that she is beautiful, gracious and has a unique purpose for her life. It acknowledges how difficult life is right now, but it is precious. The letter also encourages Maggy to share kindness with others. Of course I am just paraphrasing here, but the letter speaks to Maggy's heart, and though the letter is signed, Maggy does not know who the author is. She doesn't know anyone that would be so kind to her or write such great things about her. Maggy asks her mother and even reaches out to her estranged father to see if he knows who wrote this kind note. No one knows. Maggy looks on her own and finally with a little help, meets the man who wrote her the letter.
Maggy meets Stanley at an assisted living home. He is the mysterious letter writer. Maggy strikes up a friendship with Stanley aka Sam and learns how good it can be to share kindness and encouragement and your life with those who are kind and encouraging too.
I liked how Stanley taught Maggy the simple joy of touching hearts with a kind word. Stanley showed Maggy the importance of using the gifts and talents that God has given you to be a blessing to others. When you are blessing others, the rewards are great.
There were some great quotes by Stanley in The Letter Writer
that I would like to share. These are great quotes to live by really and great ones to share with your tween or teen. "Life is like a mirror. Who you are is reflected by those around you." - Stanley aka Sam Worthington
"If you want good and helping people around you, be good and helping." - Stanley aka Sam Worthington
"Within every human being there's a God given ability, and if you find it and nurture it, you'll be able to bless the lives of others." - Stanley aka Sam Worthington
The Letter Writer
is a simple film with a sweet message. If you pay attention, you just might walk away with an improved outlook on your own life or perhaps an inkling to find a special purpose. Because we all like a rating system, and a good movie makes me smile. I'm giving my family friendly film rating of four out of five smiles.
The Letter Writer
