Film on Friday #53 - All Saints

The best stories in life are the true ones. All Saints is one of those stories. The movie releases today from Affirm Films and Sony Pictures.

"All Saints is based on the inspiring true story of salesman-turned-pastor Michael Spurlock (John Corbett), the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all."

John Corbett has long been a favourite actor of mine and the choice to cast him as Mike Spurlock was perfect casting. He captures the newness of this pastor and his determination to do the best he can for his flock, despite the directions to shut down the church. Sometimes his eagerness lands him in trouble. But his enthusiasm for the newest members of his congregation - refugees from Burma - knows no bounds. And that's what makes this such a great movie - that these events are true - and the outcome is lasting.

Spurlock is sure he can control things and that the outcome he foresees will come to fruition. But we all know that saying - Man plans and God laughs. Things do not go according to the plan Mike has envisioned - and yet he is so sure that this is what God wants. Without spoiling anything, these events only serve to show that we cannot know what God has planned for us. And that sometimes failure is success.

The supporting cast is wonderful, from the grumpy church ladies, resident curmudgeon Forrest (Barry Corbin) and especially the Karen people. Nelson Lee does a wonderful job as Ye Win, the 'leader' of the refugees. I hope that viewers can appreciated the difficulty and challenges of being new to a country and culture. Faith is the unifying tie for this church's members.

All Saints was shot on location at the actual All Saints Church. I appreciated seeing the actual church and surrounding grounds.

All Saints is a wonderful, joyful, inspiring, affirming film, one suitable for the whole family. See the trailer below. Affirm Films has a wonderful discussion guide for All Saints.

 

Film on Friday #51 - The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

I covered the last of the leftovers and washed the last dish last Sunday. Easter Sunday in fact. And then I sat down to watch what turned out to be a perfect movie for the day - The Resurrection of Gavin Stone.

Gavin Stone was a child television star. But that fame has fizzled and Gavin is now just another washed up actor. In trouble. Sentenced to community service, Gavin picks a church in his old home town to do those hours. But when he sees that the church is running a play, he decides to audition for the role of Jesus. The catch - he pretends to be a Christian.

I knew I was going to like the movie right from the opening scenes. It had a very modern (and funny) feel to it.

Brett Dalton was a great choice for the lead - his transformation from smug 'star' to finding his faith is well portrayed - and believable. The supporting cast of characters were just as great. I really liked ex-wrestler Shawn Michaels in his role as Doug. And D.B. Sweeney has just the right tone as the church's pastor. Wise enough to know when to let things play out, but full of good advice when needed.

Gavin fumbles and bluffs his way through what he believes a Christian 'looks' like. His first church service was quite funny - Communion wafers and wine, the collection plate and his idea of the way he should dress and behave. And the rockin' live band quite surprised him.

But it the way we live that professes our faith. This is what Gavin eventually sees - the members of the church living their faith. The play within the movie was very moving, with key scenes of Christ's life portrayed. As Gavin acts his way through the production, he begins to change......

The relationship between Gavin and his father needs repairing as well. I liked the understated way this was handled. Again, very believable.

I did mention earlier that The Resurrection of Gavin Stone was the perfect movie for Easter Sunday viewing. But, it would be great viewing anytime for those looking, exploring or confirming their faith. A wonderful film to show at church or watch with friends. Suitable for family viewing as well and a great soundtrack as well! Check out the trailer below.

"Movie has been provided courtesy of Mongrel Media and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Miracles From Heaven - Sony Home Entertainment

I'd heard about  Christy Wilson Beam's book when it crossed over the library counter. I had a quick glance at it as I signed it out for a patron, but never got around to reading it myself. But, when the chance to view the movie of Miracles From Heaven was offered, I happily accepted.

Based on true events, Miracles From Heaven tells the story of Annabel Beam - a young girl suffering from a rare digestive disease. An accidental fall finds Annabel miraculously cured after her rescue.

One of my favourite actresses, Jennifer Garner, plays mom Christy in the movie. I just like Garner, her acting, her choice of roles and her genuineness. I thought she was a great choice for the lead in this film. The rest of the casting was great as well - Queen Latifah is always a treat, Martin Henderson as Kevin Beam conveyed his unwavering support and faith perfectly. Kylie Rogers as Anna does a great job - she has such an expressive face and eyes. John Carroll Lynch was inspiring as Pastor Scott.

I was crying in the first half hour of the film, saddened by Anna's plight, Christy's frustration with the medical community who took forever to diagnose her condition and empathizing with having a sick child.

Miracles From Heaven is yes, about a miracle - but it's also about faith. Faith is a large part of the Beam family's life. But, Christy loses her faith when Anna falls ill, unable to understand how God would let a child fall so ill. Remarks and reactions from some of the congregation have her refusing to attend church. She finds herself unable to even pray. Kevin and the other two daughters hold fast in their belief - as does Anna. She herself never wavers - knowing there is more. There are some great conversations and scenes that explore belief and some of those hard questions.

Miracles From Heaven is an extraordinary story, offering the viewer a chance to reaffirm their belief in a higher power, or an opportunity to explore the idea that yes, miracles do exist. There's a great quote from Albert Einstein used in the film:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Uh, huh, take a second look around you .....

There's some great music in the film as well - particularly in the church scenes featuring the band Third Day. And for a sneak peek at the movie, check out the trailer below. Great family viewing too.

"Movie has been provided courtesy of Sony Entertainment Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Giveaway - Midnight Special movie money vouchers

Midnight Special opens in select theatres on March 18 - and I have a pair of Movie Money vouchers to giveaway to one lucky reader!

That poster is pretty intriguing.....so, what's the movie about?

Synopsis: "A father goes on the run to protect his young son, Alton, and uncover the truth behind the boy’s special powers. What starts as a race from religious extremists and local law enforcement quickly escalates to a nationwide manhunt involving the highest levels of the Federal Government. Ultimately his father risks everything to protect Alton and help fulfill a destiny that could change the world forever."

The film is written and directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Joel Edgerton, Adam Driver, Sam Shepard, and Jaeden Lieberher. Check out the trailer below.

If Midnight Special sounds like a movie you'd like to see, I have a set of two vouchers to giveaway – each voucher holds up to a $12 value and can be redeemed for a movie ticket at participating theaters. Valid until April 21/16. Enter using the rafflecopter form below. This one's short and sweet - ends March 19/16.

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'The 33' opens Fri., Nov. 13 - Prize Pack Giveaway

From Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures comes the untold true story of “The 33.”

I remember following this story on the newscasts and praying that the miners would be rescued...

..."In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Chile, where 33 miners had been buried alive by the catastrophic collapse of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine. Over the next 69 days, an international team worked night and day in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped men as their families and friends, as well as millions of people globally, waited and watched anxiously for any sign of hope. But 200 stories beneath the surface, in the suffocating heat and with tensions rising, provisions—and time—were quickly running out.

A story of resilience, personal transformation and triumph of the human spirit, the film takes us to the Earth’s darkest depths, revealing the psyches of the men trapped in the mine, and depicting the courage of both the miners and their families who refused to give up.

Based on the gripping true story of survival—and filmed with the cooperation of the miners, their families and their rescuers—“The 33” captures the never-before-seen actual events that unfolded, above and below ground, which became nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon.

The international cast is led by Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”), James Brolin, and Lou Diamond Phillips, with Bob Gunton and Gabriel Byrne. The cast also includes Mario Casas, Jacob Vargas, Juan Pablo Raba, Oscar Nuñez, Tenoch Huerta, Marco Treviño, Adriana Barraza, Kate Del Castillo, Cote de Pablo, Elizabeth De Razzo and Naomi Scott."

Get a sneak peek in the video clip below and you can see more about the movie atthe33movie.com.

I have a promotional T-shirt for the film along with a flashlight to give away – kind of the perfect item to offer as a memento of a movie about miners. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends Nov. 21/15.

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Giveaway - WOODLAWN - prize pack

I love movies - but the ones I enjoy the most are those based on true stories.

Woodlawn is one of those true stories - and it's an amazing one. The movie releases in theaters everywhere on Friday, October 16/15. To celebrate, I have a Woodlawn prize pack to giveaway to one lucky reader!

But let me tell you why Woodlawn is such an amazing film.... Here's the synopsis:

"From Pure Flix (God's Not Dead, Do You Believe?), Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (The Bible, Son of God) and the Erwin Brothers (Mom's Night Out, October Baby) comes Woodlawn, an exhilarating high school football drama and remarkable true story of how love and unity overcame racism and hate in early 1970s Birmingham, Alabama. Starring Academy Award winner Jon Voight, Sean Astin, Nic Bishop and newcomer Caleb Castille, Woodlawn depicts the spiritual awakening that captured the hearts of a team and unified an entire city."

"A gifted high school football player must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in Woodlawn, a moving and inspirational new film based on the true story of how love and unity overcame hate and division in early 1970s Birmingham, Ala. Tony Nathan (newcomer Caleb Castille) lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of the problems at the school and in the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots, and Coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges with his disciplinarian ways.

It’s only when Hank (Sean Astin), an outsider who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Gerelds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus, and the change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined."

Get a sneak peek - watch the trailer below. I'll be watching - look for my review.....

The prize pack includes: 

• A Woodlawn football tee-shirt
• Woodlawn by Todd Geralds, on which the movie is based:
• Touchdown Tony, by Tony Nathan, the autobiography of the superstar player on whose life the film is based
• When God Shows Up, by Robert Noland, a 40-day devotional tied to the themes of the film

Enter to win, using the Rafflecopter form below. US only. Ends Oct 24/15.

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The Maze Runner Twitter Viewing Party

What am I doing Friday night you ask? Well, I will be glued to my Blu-ray player watching the newly released The Maze Runner and live tweeting with other fans....and @JamesDashner!

You're welcome to join the fun! Keep up with the conversation at

#MazeRunnerFriday

Don't own the movie yet? No worries - I'll be posting my review in the near future......AND I'll be giving away a Blu-ray copy of The Maze Runner with that review to one lucky reader!!

Giveaway - If I Stay - Blu-ray and Book!!!

There have so many great books made into movies lately! I missed seeing this one in the theater, but If I Stay has just released on Blu-ray November 18th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. And with all the great additional content, I'd rather own it and watch at home! You can too - I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. But that's not all! I have a paperback copy of the book by Gayle Forman as well.

"The Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD™ Combo, includes an original music montage, free song download from the Soundtrack, and a three-part immersive making-of experience featuring interviews with the cast and author/executive producer Gayle Forman!"

"Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley star in this romantic film based on the best-selling novel. Seventeen-year-old Mia Hall (Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Also starring are Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard as Mia’s parents, Kat and Denny, and Stacy Keach as Gramps. Rounding out the main cast are Jakob Davies as Mia’s little brother, Liana Liberato as her best friend, Gabrielle Rose as Grandma, and Aisha Hinds as Nurse Ramirez."

"Fans of the beloved book can see the story come to life like never before with compelling bonus features and deleted scenes. Celebrate the film’s music with an original “Never Coming Down” music video, “I Never Wanted to Go” music montage, a free download of the song “Mind” from the soundtrack courtesy of WaterTower Music and music commentary by R.J. Cutler on songs from the movie. Then, dive deeper into the making-of the film with “Beyond the Page,” a three-part book, author and cast introspective."

 If I Stay Blu-ray Exclusive Special Features:

⦁ “I Never Wanted To Go” Music Montage ⦁ Beyond The Page featuring interviews with the cast, crew and Author Gayle Forman ⦁ The Love of Music ⦁ Adapting IF I STAY ⦁ An Out of Body Experience If I Stay Blu-ray and DVD Special Features ⦁ “Never Coming Down” Music Video ⦁ Free download from the If I Stay Soundtrack of the song “Mind” courtesy of WaterTower Music ⦁ Deleted Scenes Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan ⦁ Bookstore ⦁ Hospital Chapel ⦁ Audio Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan ⦁ Music Commentary by R.J. Cutler ⦁ ⦁ Image Gallery ⦁ Theatrical Trailer  Subtitles: English / French / Spanish U.S. Rating: PG-13 Total Run Time: 171 minutes Closed Captioned: Yes

And if you want to watch If I Stay as much as I do, simply leave a comment (and a contact method) to be entered! One randomly chosen reader will win a copy of If I Stay on Blu-ray and a paperback copy of the book. Open to US and Canada, one entry per person, ends December 6/14.

Giveaway - The Grand Budapest Hotel on Blu-Ray!

The Grand Budapest Hotel releases tomorrow! This is a movie I can't wait to watch! Thanks to the great folks at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, I have a Blu-Ray copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!!

"THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of legendary concierge Gustave H. and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft of a priceless painting; a raging battle for an enormous family fortune; and a desperate chase on motorcycles, trains, sleds, and skis - all against the backdrop of a suddenly and dramatically changing continent."

Special Features-----⦁ Bill Murray Tours The Town ⦁ Kunstmuseum Zubrowka Lecture ⦁ The Society of the Crossed Keys⦁ The Making of the Grand Budapest Hotel ⦁ Part 1 – The Story ⦁ Part 2 – The Society of the Crossed Keys ⦁ Part 3 – Creating The Hotel ⦁ Part 4 – Creating A World ⦁ Mendl’s Secret Recipe ⦁ Promotional Featurettes – “Cast” and “Wes Anderson” ⦁ Stills Gallery ⦁ Theatrical Trailer

Wes Anderson’s Troupe of Unforgettable Characters

Part of what makes Wes Anderson’s films so iconic is his recurring troupe of talented actors in unforgettable roles and cameos. This gallery takes a look at the actors Anderson can’t stay away from and the roles that defined their collaboration.

"Bill Murray: The iconic actor is a strong supporter of Wes Anderson’s works and has appeared in most of his movies starting their amazing relationship with Rushmore. For Rushmore, where Murray portrayed a wealthy industrialist, Anderson revealed to have paid the actor the bare minimum allowed by the Screen Actors Guild ($9,000). Bill Murray has admitted that the part of Steve Zissou in The Life Aquatic was one of the hardest roles he’s ever played and that the main reason he did it was because Wes Anderson was helming it. I’m sure we can all agree that that decision contributed to the cementation of their future collaborations.

Tilda Swinton: Tilda Swinton arrived relatively late to the Wes Anderson game but has appeared in his last two consecutive films in very different roles. In Moonrise Kingdom, which has become the movie that defined her collaboration with Anderson, she played Social Services while in The Grand Budapest Hotel she underwent a major transformation to become an elderly woman who ultimately succumbs to her evil son’s antics.

Adrien Brody: Speaking of Tilda Swinton’s evil son in The Grand Budapest Hotel, Adrien Brody has appeared in three Anderson films: The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. As part of the Whitmans in Darjeeling, Brody was able to seamlessly implant himself into a project that was so comfortably arranged (both Schwartzman and Owen Wilson had worked with Anderson before). This volatile threesome became inseparable enough that it was hard to imagine the fake brothers to not be a package deal in the movies that followed.

Owen Wilson: Starting this list off is Owen Wilson who was been in seven of Anderson’s eight films. From Bottle Rocket to Fantastic Mr. Fox and the newest The Grand Budapest Hotel, Anderson’s audiences can assume that Wilson is one of his closest colleagues. In fact, Anderson first met the actor at the University of Texas in Austin where they immediately became friends. Wilson’s defining role is, arguably, that of Eli Cash in The Royal Tenenbaums. This part brought out Owen Wilson’s unmistakable wit, which seems to be lost amongst some of his most uncouth movies.

Anjelica Huston: Huston’s roles in Wes Anderson films usually feature her as the matriarch of a quirky family. Along with Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston is one of the seasoned veterans heading Anderson’s great cast of characters. She played part in three of his movies starting with The Royal Tenenbaums where she perfectly captured his vision for the role. We haven’t seen her in Anderson’s latest films, but she is sure to make an appearance in his future works.

Jason Schwartzman: The role of Max Fischer in Rushmore was the one that defined Jason Schwartzman’s collaboration with Wes Anderson and his acting career in general. When he auditioned for the part, Schwartzman was 17 and dreamed of being a writer, not an actor. Almost ten years after Rushmore, he co-wrote the script for The Darjeeling Limited and has been in every Anderson film since.

Luke Wilson: Aside from helping Owen Wilson express his great comedic timing, another certain Wes Anderson movie also helped launch the successful career of Owen’s brother Luke. Luke Wilson co-starred in Bottle Rocket and then went on to participate in a slew of Hollywood films that now make up his long roster of accomplishments. Wilson collaborated with Anderson in some of his other movies such as Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums."

If you'd like to watch The Grand Budapest Hotel, simply leave a comment telling me which actor is your favourite for a chance to win a Blu-Ray copy! Open to US and Canada. No PO boxes please. (Ensure I have a way to contact you, either through your blog, email etc)

Ends June 29/14