"Saul: The Journey to Damascus" (2014)
There is great value in the modern format of storytelling of the
lives of biblical characters. Bring your Bibles into the room with you.
Watch the story. Pause for clarification, discussion, and reflection.
The politics of the days of the early Christians reveals just how faithful
and resilient the Christian Community had to be to withstand
the challenges of living under Roman rule as well as the challenges
of faith and belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.
Saul of Tarsus was a key figure in the movement against Christians.
What happens in his life is a miracle.
Starring: Kyle Schmid, John Rhys-Davies, and Emmanuel Vaugier
Rating: 13+
"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2022)
We learn, we grow, and we change. Things happen. The stakes increase,
and we learn some more. Oh my goodness!
Some “tough-as-nails” bad guys show up. The solution seems impossible, and a very important quest might fail, except… friends step in. Sometimes friends can make all the difference. Our beloved Puss in Boots is funny, musical, adorable, and confident. But, how are they going to get this quest done? There are lots of twists and turns,
as well as lots of action, chases, and exciting moments...
Great Story, Wonderful Cast, Cutting Edge Animation
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, Harvey Guillen,
and Olivia Coleman
Rated: PG
The strength of our happy memories will prevail,
long after the infrastructure of our life fails.
Loss of loved ones, housing changes, downsizing due to finances, changing neighborhood real estate plans,
and the circumstances of old age can be overwhelming. In the Christian Community, we have a saying, "But, God."
In His compassion and enduring faithfulness God will save us from our own plans, and turn things around for each of us,
at just the right time. Love conquers.
Starring: Tom Hanks and Mariana Trevino
Rated PG-13
"Secret Invasion"
The world is a complicated place. Fury is a complicated man. Secret Invasion brings the story of the Skrulls to the forefront of the MCU saga. Gravik, the new leader of the Skrulls, takes on Fury and Talos. Fury is back but, not with the Avengers, not with the Heli-Carrier, and not with a team of foot soldiers. It appears that Gravik has all the advantages at this juncture. Fury goes in, this time, to save the world. He is outmanned and outgunned. Is there anything that can stop Gravik?
It is not wise to back an MCU Hero against the wall…
Starring: Samuel Jackson, Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ben Mendelsohn, Charlayne Woodard
Rated TV-14 / TV Series Season 1 / 6 Episodes
The Jesus Revolution is an inspiring and uplifting story of the "Jesus Movement" of the late 1960's and the early 1970's.
In a time of social change, protests, drug epidemics, and war, a group of young people are on a quest for a new way of living and a new world view. Follow these young people on a spiritual journey as they search for a path to truth. This is a story of transformation and a place where old meets new. The Word of God is alive and speaks to every generation. The Word is the living water of truth.
Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Jonathan Roumie, Joel Coutney,
and Anna Grace Barlow
Rated PG-13
“Loki”
Marvel Cinematic Universe takes a deep dive into quantum physics. Loki,
the brother of Thor of the Asgard, uses the Tesseract cube to time travel away from being brought to justice on his home planet. Why would Loki attempt a time jump?
C’mon he’s Loki. If you are game for a fast-paced science class in quantum physics and the Multiverse, this is your TV series. You can try out lots of scientific concepts like string theory, M theory, black-hole physics, time travel, and time loops. Just when you think you’ve got it, a new complication. But, the best part of the series is that Loki’s journey helps him to peel back the layers of his own ideas, his own plans,
and his own motives. The series will surprise you with different threads of the journey; friendship, resolve, teamwork, love, and compassion.
It is definitely a science rollercoaster. But it is well worth the ride.
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Jonathan Majors, Owen Wilson, Ke Huy Quan, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Rated: TV-14
The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
The wonder and magic of the season, and the coolest Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the Big Screen, are a treat for the kids and a sight
for sore eyes for your family in this year of pandemic and challenge. The plot takes an unusual twist this time
for Kate and a delightful newcomer. In this adventure Christmas is about more than getting the gifts to the children.
A villain threatens the safety and security of the entire North Pole.
The battle between good and evil gets pretty intense in this one. Is this the last Christmas ever?
Check out the film out to see how things work out for Santa and the Crew.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Jahzir Bruno, Julian Dennison
Rated PG: Adventure, Comedy, Family 1hr 52 min
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
Solving a puzzle can be exhilarating. The challenge of sitting at a table and piecing
it all together can stimulate your brain and give you energy to keep going even when
you see that you have a long way to go. The Indiana Jones franchise is one that combines the challenge of puzzles with a taste of antiquity, a taste of history, and a chance
to experience ancient cultures of the world. Debating the true value of historical artifacts
is at the forefront of each film in the series. Preservation of history vs. scientific
and financial greed is the struggle that Indiana has championed in all of the Indiana Jones adventures. He may be senior in years, but his resolve has never wavered. He still packs a punch when needed, the snakes are still a problem, and a few new friends
have entered the picture. Is this it for Indiana? Or is there more to come?
Starring: Harrison Ford, Mads Mikkelson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, and Ethann Isidore, Karen Allen, and John Rhys-Davies
“Ahsoka”
The latest series from the Star Wars saga is the story of Ahsoka. The character’s adventures create another thread of the multi-faceted saga. On this thread you will find the story of Ahsoka, attempting to thwart the return of one of the dreaded leaders of The Empire. So much is going on in the New Republic. They are trying to build something new and lasting with the prevailing understanding that there are only a handful of Empire loyalists with limited resources. Or, so it seems. The ruling council does not believe that there is any credible threat. There are only a few Jedi left. What can a few Jedi accomplish with the challenges of the changing face of politics in the galaxy?
Starring: Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Ray Stevenson, and Diana Lee Inosanto
Rated: TV 14
"80 for Brady"
Inspired by a true story... "80 for Brady" gives an up front and personal view of the NFL Super Bowl Experience. A group of women enjoying
their senior citizen years together, as avid football fans, get an opportunity to make one of the greatest trades in the history of the game. Resilience.
This team of strong senior women make an even trade of resilience with Tom Brady and the Patriots. The trade pays off for both teams.
When the chips are down, never count out a motivated,
close knit, and resilient team! Just plain fun.
Starring: Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Lily Tomlin and Tom Brady
Rated: PG-13
“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One”
To “AI” or not to “AI?” that is the question. Technology can go right, of course.
But, the question is… what do you do if it goes wrong; terribly wrong? The IMF
has lots of issues to address, with only a few slivers of good intel, a shortage
of personnel, and very little time to pull it all together. There are old friends,
old fiends, and some new faces as well. The Mission Impossible franchise has
a team of actors and film staff which are dedicated to adventure cinema. The film has stunning locations, incredible action, awesome stunts, and plot twists that are sure
to cause a gasp and fingers to your lips. Trust me. This is an action-packed journey that will give you a lot to think about as you wait for part two.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Vanessa Kirby
Rated: PG-13
"Candy Cane Lane" (Prime Video)
There are lots of holiday films to choose from and to view, whether you are on your own with your feet up relaxing or, with family and friends. Candy Cane Lane gives
the film audience lots of slapstick chaos, and it gives gentle reminders of what’s really important about the Christmas Holiday Season. The story gives us a lot to think about. Whether it is a chaotic holiday light fight, a subtle reminder about overspending, cruel corporate job lay-offs, or the fact that the holiday season
is a huge melting pot of cultures and traditions…the film comes in
for a smooth landing on the true meaning of Christmas. Love and family.
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, and David Alan Grier
"We Can Be Heroes" (2020)
Oh no! The Heroes have fallen. But there is hope. The children of the heroes have been hidden away for safety and security.
What do you think happens when the kids find out
that their parents are missing?
The film shows ingenuity, perseverance, determination,
and community are just as important as super powers and abilities.
Without these key ingredients, the plan just won't work.
Starring: Elizabeth Moss, YaYa Gosselin, Pedro Paschal
Rated: PG
Ever Praise Music Family Film Reviews
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
When Grandma is called upon to tell a Christmas story, she can sense that the children need something
a little different this year. The story of an inventor and entrepreneur with aspirations to have his work
loved by all is just what Grandma's children need. A perfect cast of characters brings this musical story
of family, love, loss, and triumph to the Big Screen. The film will definitely warm the hearts of viewers.
The themes of creativity, purpose, and self-determination are sure to inspire movie lovers of every generation.
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Hugh Bonneville
Rated PG: Fantasy, Musical 2hr 2min
Superbook
A brother and sister who live in a technological and science savvy home discover a link to the treasured stories of The Superbook -
The Bible. One of the most valuable benefits, of sharing this series
as a family, is that as the Bible scripture comes to life the characters make connections between the biblical lessons and daily life of today. Perseverance, reverence, determination, anointing,
and unwavering faith are themes throughout the series.
This series is a great addition to family Bible reading and discussions.
Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent, Sam Vincent, Cathy Weseluck
Rated: 7+
"Soul" (2020)
(A Disney Children's Film)
The hustle and bustle of our daily lives center around work, necessities, needs, and accomplishments. With the stresses of the present day, accomplishment often takes a back seat to the circumstances of the moment. An extremely talented music educator struggles with the dilemma of managing these priorities. What really matters in this world before we move on up a little higher?
Is it our works, our accomplishments, and our fame, or is it our soul?
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, and Graham Norton
Rated: PG
Will Smith says that he went outside of his comfort zone to see some of the amazing things that the world has to offer.
The beauty of a deep sea adventure, the migration of the wildebeest, completing technological surveys in an active volcano,
and so much more, are all a part of the docu-series called “Welcome to Earth.”
The series utilizes the expertise of top scientists and researchers who serve as Will’s tour guides.
In cooperation with National Geographic, this Disney presentation is recommended for viewing as a family,
with tablets in hand. Researching questions, and extended searches on concepts and ideas will make this
a valuable family activity. Student interests, and even career choices, have often begun watching documentaries like "Welcome to Earth."
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