Conjuring 2 gift pack giveaway!

The Conjuring 2 from Warner Brothers releases today in theatres. To celebrate I've got a great prize pack giveaway for one lucky reader! (scroll to the bottom for details.)

The Conjuring 2 synopsis:

"Based on a true story, The Conjuring 2, recounts a haunting in London, England that plagued a single mother, Peggy (played by Frances O’Connor), and her four children, Margaret, Janet, Johnny, and Billy. The church sends world renowned paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) to investigate the authenticity of the haunting and help the family.

What begins as an investigation turns into a battle of good vs evil in which faith and scripture become the necessary tools to defeat a powerful entity. The Conjuring 2 is a story of overcoming fear and the power of God’s love and protection against evil."

Here are two great articles sure to promote discussion - The Reality of Evil or one to discuss with children- A Parent's Guide to Scary Movies.

Get a sneak peek of The Conjuring 2 - watch the trailer below!

And enter for a chance to win The Conjuring 2 prize pack that includes:

**2 movie money passes, Leather bound journal, 2 T-shirts, 2 cups **

Open to US and Canada, ends June 18/16

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The Eleventh on Feeln.com

I admit it - I love to read murder mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels. And sometimes, movies in the same vein. But when I've had a rough day, or life has thrown me a curveball, I love to cuddle up under my favourite blanket and watch something that makes me feel, tugs at my heartstrings and has me counting my blessings. (Hallmark movies and shows are my faves.)

 I've just discovered Feeln. What is Feeln you ask? "Feeln is the leading streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness - anytime, anywhere - including the exclusive library of Hallmark Hall of Fame features, Hollywood movies, TV series, and award-winning originals you won’t find anywhere else."

I just watched the first episodes of a new Feeln "original drama series that focuses on a young girl’s journey to getting to know her estranged grandmother in order to bring closure to the past and unite her family." With Mother's Day around the corner, this is a perfect time and an inspiration to reflect on familial relationships in our own lives. Family and forgiveness are the themes that stood out for me.

It was so comforting to reconnect with  some acting legends from past favourite shows of mine! The Eleventh stars Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch, Dancing With The Stars), Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Roots, Up), and Cloris Leachman (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Malcolm In The Middle).

The Eleventh also fills my penchant for mysteries - what happened in the past to create such a family rift? Can it be repaired? The episodes are short and end with a nice little cliffhanger that will leave you wanting to know more. (I can't wait to find out about those pictures in the photo album...) I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of The Eleventh - and I'm looking forward to watching more on Feeln!

Find The Eleventh on Twitter @Feeln  - #TheEleventh.  Family friendly and definitely feel good. Check out the trailer for The Eleventh below. And if you like what you see - watch full episodes of ‘The Eleventh’ on Feeln - and many other shows as well.

 

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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Film on Friday #46 - Greater

I love being entertained by a movie. But the ones that stay with me are those stories that are true. The ones that make you think long after the final credits roll.

Greater released yesterday in theatres. Greater is the story of Brandon Burlsworth - 'The Incredible True Story of the Greatest Walk-on in the History of College Football'.

Greater opens in 1999 Arkansas, where a young, awkward, clumsy Burlsworth declares that he is going to play for the Razorbacks one day. And then cuts to a road with a semi barreling down it, facing an oncoming car. So we know the beginning and the end. But it's the stuff in the middle that will have you laughing, crying, cheering and wishing you could have met this incredible young man....

Chris Severio stars as Brandon and veteran actor Neal McDonough as his older brother. Severio was great as Brandon - physically he looks very much like Burlsworth and his quiet, gentle, steadfast portrayal of this determined young man seemed to embody the spirit of Brandon. McDonough often appears as a 'bad guy' in movies  - it was refreshing to see a different side - as Marty, Brandon's caring and devoted brother. I also thought Leslie Easterbrook did a great job with the role of Brandon's Mom - personifying her steadfast belief in her son and her resolve to help him reach his dreams.

This is a movie about faith - faith in yourself, but most of all faith in God's plan. Brandon has no doubts, but his brother does. Director David Hunt sets up a nice visual of good and bad/God and the Devil using an old man and a young man on the sidelines of the football field to illustrate this.

Brandon's faith never wavered - he believed. Despite the odds, the setbacks, the cruelty and derision, rejection and dejection, he believed. And in doing so, others believed.....

Just an excellent, excellent movie - entertaining, but with a great message. It's rated PG, so it would be great family viewing as well. (But have some tissues ready...) Take a sneak peek at the trailer below.

"Do it the Burls Way". A saying coined after Brandon's death that means do it the right way, even when no one is looking - a good way to live life. I loved one of the last lines.....'Have Faith. This is My Road'. So....what's your road?

'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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Film on Friday #43 - Woodlawn

Woodlawn releases in theaters everywhere today. (October 16/15) I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek - and it's definitely a movie worth seeing.

"Woodlawn is  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. 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." Also starring Academy Award winner Jon Voight.

Wow. The opening scenes of Woodlawn are gut-wrenching. Historical news footage of 1973 Birmingham, the desegregation of schools and the violence surrounding this time only served to underline and emphasize the setting and time frame of the movie. This isn't an imagined story - this is real. And not so very long ago. Birmingham? It was the most thoroughly segregated city in the US. And had the sad nickname of Bombingham, due to the over 50 racial bombings that occurred in the city beginning in 1947. In 1963, then governor George Wallace declared that schools would never be desegregated.

Unbelievable right? But this is the part that is even more unbelievable - that a racially charged sports team and school accepted Hank's message of faith  - and that message spread.

Every actor did a phenomenal job, but props go out to newcomer Caleb Castille - I thought he was really good. I was glued to my screen the entire film, caught up in this recreation of actual events. Just incredibly well done from the actors, to the set, recreating time and place, the football games - and the inclusion of historical footage.

And as I watched, I was outraged, I cried, but I also laughed and I felt a sense of hope. If this could happen in that time and place.....just maybe it can happen again - and again and again.

This is a fantastic film with an uplifting, powerful message of belief, faith, hope and of change. Check out the trailer below. And don't forget to enter to win a Woodlawn prizepack here.

From Director Andy Erwin: "Woodlawn is a special movie with a perspective that America – believer and nonbeliever alike – needs to hear today. “I’m passionate about the truth that the only way to overcome hate is by a greater law – and that’s love and forgiveness. And Jesus is the ultimate way to receive and give both love and forgiveness."

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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Film on Friday #42 - Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream

Do you ever have a bad day and all you want to do when you get up is cuddle up and watch a good movie - one that will chase away that bad day?

Yes, chocolate will do the trick, but for me it's Hallmark movies. My latest favourite series is Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

The latest - Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream premieres Sunday October 4 9/8c on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

In today's world of electronic communication, it's becoming increasingly rare to receive letters. But the four characters of this series have a dedication to the written letter. They're US postal employees who work in the Dead Letter Office. Think of them as postal detectives (POstables), dedicated to "tracking down intended recipients of deliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office and into an unpredictable world where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time."

The Impossible Dream picks right up where the last movie (Truth Be Told) left off. The Postables 'work against the clock decoding a letter to rescue a soldier in Afghanistan and reunite her with her family'. There's a huge sense of urgency as the window to rescue the soldier is very small. But along with the serious tone, there's some fun as well. Rita is competing for the title of National Miss Special Delivery.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered stars Eric Mabius (Oliver), Kristin Booth (Shane), Crystal Lowe (Rita) and Geoff Gustafson (Norman). The four have great chemistry between them. But, there's an added bit of chemistry between two pairs. I thoroughly enjoy watching their genuinely caring relationships evolve. Shane's past plays a large part in The Impossible Dream. And Rita and Norman's relationship moves forward.

The Impossible Dream is a family friendly movie that explores family, faith, hope, love and patriotism in a wholesome, inspirational manner that can't help but lift your spirits.

The Impossible Dream was the perfect antidote for my not so great day. Get a sneak peek - watch the trailer below.

You can keep up with the cast on Twitter: @HallmarkMovie, @Eric_Mabius, @kristintbooth, @RealCrystalLowe, @geoffgustafson,  #POstables

Film on Friday #41 - Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Truth Be Told (and a giveaway!)

Nothing warms you up like a feel good movie on a rainy day. And Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Truth Be Told is guaranteed to warm your heart.

I had a chance to have a sneak peek, but don't worry, you haven't missed it - it premieres on Sunday, September 13th at 9pm E/PT /8C on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

In today's world of electronic communication, it's becoming increasingly rare to receive letters. But the four characters of this series have a dedication to the written letter. They're US postal employees who work in the Dead Letter Office. Think of them as postal detectives (POstables), dedicated to "tracking down intended recipients of deliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office and into an unpredictable world where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time."

This time it's a partially burned letter with only fragments left to piece together and some grains of sand. The team manage to find the recipient, but take things a bit further when they're asked to find the sender. As Norman says "Some letters deserve special attention."

Signed, Sealed, Delivered stars Eric Mabius (Oliver), Kristin Booth (Shane), Crystal Lowe (Rita) and Geoff Gustafson (Norman). The four have great chemistry between them. But, there's an added bit of chemistry between two pairs. I thoroughly enjoy watching the budding, genuinely caring relationships evolving. The personal lives of the characters often have tie-ins to the letters. This time, it's Oliver's life - his father returns after a fifteen year estrangement. Family, fatherhood and faith - and unconditional love are all explored in this timely, inspiring, uplifting movie.

I love the Dead Letter office set itself - I think I'd love working there, piecing together clues and making those connections happen.

Hallmark movies just make me wish the world could be like this - especially today, September 11th. If you're looking for a family friendly movie with lots wholesome, inspirational themes and values - this series is for you.

You can keep up with the cast on Twitter: @HallmarkMovie, @Eric_Mabius, @kristintbooth, @RealCrystalLowe, @geoffgustafson, @TheRealGregoryH, @MarthaMoonWater, #POstables

This series will remind you of Touched By An Angel. And that's because Martha Williamson is the executive producer of both series! And thanks to Martha, I have some swag from Touched By An Angel to giveaway to a fan. *A small silver picture frame that was given as a gift by Martha to the Touched By An Angel crew during the series’ production *A vintage novel based on the series *Classic Touched By An Angel themed greeting cards that include a CD single of a song from the show *A Touched By An Angel logo pen. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

Watch a preview of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Truth Be Told below. And watch for the next movie with the POstables - Signed Sealed Delivered: The Impossible Dream will air on Sunday, October 4 at 9pm ET/PT, 8C on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. (I'll be watching!)

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Film on Friday #36 - American Sniper - Review AND Giveaway!

Chris Kyle. I can't imagine there are many who haven't heard his name or know his story.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is releasing American Sniper, the movie based on the life of Chris Kyle, on Blu-ray/Dvd on May 19/15. Clint Eastwood is the director.

Kyle is the most lethal sniper in US military history - and he was the most wanted man in Iraq. But there's so more to this story - it's also the story of a father, a husband and a veteran.

Eastwood grabs the viewer right from the start with a tension filled opening scene in Iraq on Kyle's first mission. From that we are taken back to Kyle's childhood and move forward through his four tours in Iraq,

Gentle viewers be warned - there are graphic scenes and violence. But, what Eastwood has shown us is not movie make believe - it's reality, difficult as it might be to watch. (The special effects, setting and sound effects were incredible) But also explored is the effect of war on those waiting at home - and the difficulty re-integrating into 'everyday' life - PTSD. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Bradley Cooper plays Kyle - and quite honestly I thought he was amazing. Having watched clips of the real Chris Kyle, I was so impressed with his portrayal - physicality, accent and more. This role takes Cooper leaps and bounds beyond roles such as Hangover.

I encourage you to watch this as the story of Chris Kyle and his family and not as a commentary on politics and war. I felt so many emotions as the movie played out and was absolutely drained by the closing credits. I cannot even begin to imagine the reality. Highly,highly recommended. Watch the exclusive clip below for more from the cast and crew of American Sniper.

And if you'd like to own a copy of American Sniper, I have a copy to giveaway, courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to continental US and Canada, no po boxes please. Ends June 6/15

"Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will donate a portion of the proceeds across physical and digital sales to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). One dollar of each purchase will be donated up to $1,000,000 from April 21, 2015 through December 31, 2015. To get involved and learn more, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.com. The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To learn more about WWP’s life-saving programs and services, please visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs."

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Winner - VeggieTales Noah's Ark DVD

And the lucky winner of a DVD copy of Veggie Tales Noah's Ark, courtesy of Dreamworks Animation is:

Karin A!

Congratulations! I've contacted you for your mailing address. Please respond within 48 hours - after that time a new winner will be chosen. Keep your eye on the sidebar for other great giveaways!

Giveaway - VeggieTales - Noah's Ark DVD

Today, I have a giveaway for the younger person in your life, courtesy of Dreamworks Animation.

Carrots meet cubits as VeggieTales builds an ark filled with fun, adventure and important lessons about trusting God in NOAH’S ARK, its first Bible-themed production in more than four years.

Starring Wayne Brady and Jaci Velasquez, along with Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato and a whole crew of Veggies, NOAH’S ARK will be available March 3 on DVD and digital download.  Wayne Brady brings to life Noah’s son Shem, who first questions, then learns to embrace, his father’s direction from God. Christian singer, actress and radio host Jaci Velasquez co-stars as Shem’s wife, Sadie.

“Saying ‘yes’ to VeggieTales was a no-brainer – my daughter’s a fan and I love the music and messages,” says Brady, who performs seven original songs in NOAH’S ARK. “The best part is, Bob and Larry are down to earth and they never let the ‘I’m a global Veggie superstar’ thing go to their heads.”  Adds Velasquez: “Every parent searches for entertainment that’s both wholesome and imparts valuable life lessons, and with Noah’s Ark, VeggieTales serves up a delicious dish on both counts. The story, the music and the visuals are perfect for the entire family.”

 In NOAH’S ARK, Shem and Sadie return home from their honeymoon to find that Noah (played by Pa Grape) has begun, at God’s direction, to work on a massive ark, which his wife Naamah (played by Madame Blueberry) and sons Ham (played by Larry) and Japheth (played by Bob) are helping construct before the start of 40 days and 40 nights of rain.

But Shem doesn’t understand Noah’s unshakable faith in God, particularly when animals start arriving two-by-two – while the rain is nowhere to be seen. When the deluge does come, Shem begins to understand Noah’s determination to preserve humanity’s future … and the importance of trusting in God. NOAH’S ARK also features a brand-new “Silly Songs With Larry” segment, in which Larry dons a safari outfit as he goes on a quest for a gigantic, golden egg.

To learn more about NOAH’S ARK, and to pre-order the DVD, visit the official VeggieTales website at http://www.veggietales.com, or call the toll-free VeggieTales Hotline at (844) 2-VEGGIE (U.S. callers only).

Or....simply enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. 
Open to US and Canada. Ends March 14/15.

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Winner - The Good Lie on DVD

And the randomly chosen winner of a copy of The Good Lie, courtesy of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment is:

Doug W!

Congratulations! I've contacted your by email for your mailing address. Please respond within 48 hours - after that time a new winner will be chosen. Keep your eye on the sidebar for other great giveaways!

The Good Lie - Reese Witherspoon - Review AND Giveaway

The countdown to Christmas is on - there's a flurry of buying, a plethora of ads and a huge sense of urgency to be 'ready'. But at this time of the year, I think we also need to slow down and think just how fortunate we are and of those who have not been so blessed, to celebrate the joy in being alive and to remember the best gifts cannot be unwrapped.

The Good Lie starring Reese Witherspoon releases today. And it's a movie you need to watch.

In my place of work, I have met and had conversations with Sudanese refugees. Their stories are horrific, but need to be told, so the world knows. The Good Lie tells the story of some of the lost boys of Sudan.

Who are the lost boys? In 1983 civil war broke out in Sudan - approximately 2.5 million people were killed - and thousands of children were left orphaned. Over 20,000 children trekked over 1000 miles, looking for safety. Ethiopia was not the safe haven they had been told of, so instead they journeyed to Kenya - and the Kakuma refugee camp.

The Good Lie is the story of three boys and one girl, who spent 13 years in the camp and were then sponsored to relocate in the US. Witherspoon plays Carrie,  a hardened job counselor whose life become inextricably entwined with these four.

Oh boy, my emotions ran the gamut on this movie - horror at the war, fear for the children, hope for a new life and sadness for those still in the camps, awe at the courage shown and joy. I laughed out loud in many parts (the chicken crossing the road joke gets new life) and I cried many times. (The reason behind the title will break your heart.)

 The Good Lie lets us see North American life through the eyes of a newcomer as they try to learn and navigate the rules, regulations, customs and everyday life we take for granted, but still live by their own core values. I think one of the most telling scenes was when Jeremiah, one of the four, is sent out to throw away the 'old food' to make room for the 'new food' at his grocery stocking job. He helps a homeless woman pick through the food destined for the dumpster - and is promptly berated by the boss. Jeremiah's reaction is one we should all have.

Witherspoon is one of my favourite actresses. She was perfect in this film. The actors playing the four (and their younger selves) all had personal ties to the Sudan either as refugees themselves or children of refugees.

Sadly, I don't think this movie has received the press it should have while at the theatres. It's a five star, thumbs up watch for this viewer. If you're looking for a film that celebrates the human spirit and that will resonate with you after the credits have rolled, The Good Lie is for you. I have a copy of The Good Lie to give away to a randomly chosen reader. Enter at this post.

There's a lovely quote at the end of the movie: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Giveaway - The Good Lie Blu-ray DVD starring Reese Witherspoon!

I've got an amazing giveaway for you today! The Good Lie, starring Reese Witherspoon, releases on DVD/Blu-ray on December 23/14. This is an absolutely perfect film for this time of the year -  heartwarming and uplifting. And one lucky, randomly chosen reader will receive a copy of this amazing, inspiring, TRUE story, courtesy of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.

"They were known simply as “The Lost Boys.”

Orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sudan, which began in 1983, these young victims traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot in search of safety. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3,600 lost boys, as well as girls, to America.

Mamere and Theo are sons of the Chief in their village in Southern Sudan. When an attack by the Northern militia destroys their home and kills their parents, eldest son Theo is forced to assume the role of Chief and lead a group of young survivors, including his sister Abital, away from harm. But the hostile, treacherous terrain has other dangers in store for them. As the tattered group makes the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah, who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become essential to their survival.

Thirteen years later, the now young adults are given the opportunity to leave the camp and resettle in America. Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon), an employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them jobs—no easy task, when things like light switches and telephones are brand new to them.

Although Carrie has successfully kept herself from any emotional entanglements, these refugees, who desperately require help navigating the 21st century and rebuilding their shattered lives, need just that. So Carrie embarks on her own uncharted territory, enlisting the help of her boss, Jack (Corey Stoll). " See what others are saying on the Good Lie Facebook page.

I can't wait to watch this movie - watch for my review! And if you too would like to own and watch The Good Lie, simply leave a comment. One lucky reader will be randomly chosen on Dec. 28/14. This is an international story - and so is the giveaway! One entry per person please. 

Film on Friday#20 - The Identical

When I saw that Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd were in City of Peace's  new movie,  The Identical,I knew I wanted to see it - they're both favourite actors of mine.

IMBD's blurb: "Twin brothers are unknowingly separated at birth; one of them becomes an iconic rock 'n' roll star, while the other struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father."

The movie opens in hard times Tennessee in the 1930's. A poor young couple relinquish one of their twin sons (Drexel and Dexter) to a preacher and his wife, hoping for a better life for him. It is Dexter's (renamed Ryan) life that we follow, as he tries to ignore what feeds his soul and instead become a man of the cloth as his father wants. Drexel has the same love of music and pursues it, becoming a huge star.

As I watched, I started noting the similarities between this narrative and Elvis Presley's life. The timeframe, the twin brother, the religious influences, the army, the love of music, the hip shaking dancing, the smoldering good looks and more. Elvis was indeed a twin and his twin died at birth. Although the word Elvis is not mentioned officially anywhere, it is impossible not to note the parallels. Writer Howard Klausner has come up with an interesting premise....

It isn't long into the film when the music starts - and it's impossible not to tap your toes or feel like dancing. Lead actor Blake Rayne (AKA Ryan Pelton) has a really good voice and seems to have been the perfect choice for this role - he won an Elvis competition in 1998 and has worked as an Elvis impersonator up 'til now. (And I have to say, he really does look like Elvis) So, this character wasn't too much of a stretch. Rayne is a bit wooden in places, but shines when singing.

Ray Liotta - he plays such a great bad guy, it was an interesting idea to have him play a preacher. And he nails it, filling the role incredibly well. Ashley Judd is a supporting player here, with not a lot of screen time - but she too plays the role believably. Other cast members include his wife Jenny (Erin Cottrell) - I really liked her performance. Joe Pantoliano plays Ryan's boss and Seth Green his friend. Although both are veteran actors, I thought their performances were just a tad over the top.

While the men in the film are age progressed believably, the women fare far better. Ashley Judd doesn't seem to look a day older by the film's end. As does the twins' mother - white make up seems to have been the sole attempt to age her. The other thing I thought was needed was better wigs for Rayne - his just wasn't real looking - and the full facial hair was particularly bad (and uneven). Petty I know, but once I noticed, I couldn't stop looking.

The Identical has been marketed as a Christian film. "We want to bring films with a redeeming value to the world. One of the ways you do that is live where people are living, " says executive producer Yochanan Marcellino." The Identical explores family, values, choices, love, duty and more. It is indeed a film the whole family could watch, rated PG.

One excellent line from the movie resonated with me - "Don't run from who you are."

An entertaining film - and a really good soundtrack!

 The Identical movie has a Facebook page.

 

107 minutes releasing today - Sept.5/14