Produce is Coming To Theaters!

October 4, 2014October 6, 2014 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

You Never Know Where Hope Grows

This year has been the year filled with movies based upon the Bible. The new year seems to be no different and may even deliver many more faith films than 2014. There is a new film called “Produce” that is slated for theaters in the Spring of 2015. This is a film that not only entertains, but leaves you inspired. You will appreciate the simple things in life and gain a greater understanding of how to view the world with a little different perspective. Check out the trailer and keep your eyes open for “Produce” the movie.

Heaven is For Real In Theaters April 16 2014

November 16, 2013March 12, 2014 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

TriStar Pictures, Affirm and Provident Films presents a new film called Heaven Is For Real. It’s based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, written by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. It tells the true story of a small-town Pastor who must find the courage and conviction to share his son’s extraordinary, life-changing experience. Heaven Is For Real is directed by Randall Wallace (Bravehart, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers, Secretariat). The screenplay is by Christopher Parker and Randall Wallace. It stars Greg Kinnear (“As Good As It Gets,” “Little Miss Sunshine”) as Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly (“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” “Flight”) as Sonja Burpo, the real-life couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) experiences Heaven during emergency surgery. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence. He describes Heaven in vivid detail, and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth … things he couldn’t possibly know. Todd is called upon by his congregation to explain the meaning of Colton’s revelations, and he and his family are challenged to examine their faith and draw meaning from this remarkable event.

From what I can see so far and after reading the book and previewing the film, I believe this movie could start and in some cases reignite a conversation about the subject of “Heaven” and what happens when we die. The fact is, we all will face death one day and hopefully this movie cause’s us all to explore the question “if there really is a heaven.” You know we have all asked the question “Is Heaven for Real?” Maybe not out load – but we all wonder about life after death. I for one find myself thinking and also preparing for heaven much more than I have done so in the recent past. We are all on a journey thru life and my prayer is that this movie will encourage people to help others to reach heaven thru faith in Christ.

I highly encourage families to see Heaven is For Real on opening weekend. The first showings start Wednesday April 16, 2014.

Here is the trailer for the movie Heaven is For Real;

Check out the heart of the movie from Todd Burpo.

Grace Unplugged In Theaters October 4th

September 14, 2013October 6, 2014 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Summer has come to an end and Fall is in the air. This means new school clothes, a new teacher, new friends and many other elements that are indicators that change is in the air. With the new season also comes a fresh batch of movies to theaters for families. Grace Unplugged is one of the releases that is Just around the corner and will hit the big screen on Friday October 4th. Family Films had the privilege to preview the film a few times this summer and we wanted to share our thoughts and encourage families to check out Grace Unplugged on opening weekend.

Here is a brief overview of the story:

Just 18, Grace Trey aspires to more than singing at her church. So she runs off to Los Angeles and begins to taste the stardom she’s always dreamed of, including a Top-10 song. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith … or rediscover it?

This summer Family Films had the chance to interview Brad Silverman who is the director and writer of Grace Unplugged. We were able to ask Brad a few questions about Grace Unplugged, how a movie can impact culture and how he landed in the film business.

Check out the official movie trailer to Grace Unplugged:

We continue our interview with the Director and writer Brad Silverman regarding the inspiration for Grace Unplugged.

Grace Unplugged is an inspiring story that will cause you to laugh, cry, rejoice and sing. The cast is superb and features Kevin Pollack, James Denton, Shanwee Smith, Jamie Grace, AJ Michalka and an appearance from Chris Tomlin. The soundtrack is off the hook and you will find yourself singing along and tapping your foot (featuring Colton Dixon, Jamie Grace, Toby Mac, Shawn MacDonald, Luminate, Nine Lashes, AJ Michalka, Josh Wilson and Chris Tomlin). You can download the CD on Itunes now.

It’s refreshing to have a film that is safe for the whole family and delivers an entertaining story that will leave you still thinking about the movie days after you exit the theater.

So mark your calendars to see Grace Unplugged on opening weekend of October 4th.

We’ll see you at the movies!

Dave Almgren- Faith & Family Films

“Grace Unplugged is a powerful depiction of God extending forgiveness and mercy toward us all.” Chris Tomlin

When The Game Stands Tall

May 24, 2013April 14, 2014 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

When The Game Stands Tall

When The Game Stands Tall is in production in New Orleans and is slated to hit theaters in the Fall of 2014 (Sony Affirm Films). I have to say that I am excited to see this movie because of the lead actor (Jim Caviezel) who plays the coach in the movie. Jim is a good actor and I really have enjoyed his film work over the years. I always remember the movie “Frequency” and loved the story and the father son relationship in Frequency. Anyway – back to “When The Game Stands Tall.” As I read the description for the film I am enthusiastic about the film because it is a sports film that in the end is not about sports. Sports is the vehicle that was used by the coach to teach the lessons of life to the high school kids in his care. It’s not about winning – but rather putting forth your best effort. Teaching about values, life and loss. The real stuff that happens in life and the game of footballs help high schooler’s prepare to navigate thru their journey.

So based upon what I see so far . . .

I am marking my calendar to see “When The Game Stands Tall” August 22, 2014!

Here is the Films Description:
When The Game Stands Tall – which tells the true story of legendary De La Salle High School football Coach Bob Ladouceur, (Caviezel), and his assistant coach Terry Eidson, (Chiklis), who took the Concord California Spartans prep team from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2003 that shattered all records for consecutive victories in any American sport. Known as “Coach Lad”, Ladouceur had little experience coaching football when he was hired at De La Salle, but through his unyielding focus on character-building, faith, responsibility and commitment, created one of the country’s greatest football dynasties.

Inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame and widely considered the greatest prep football coach of all time, Ladouceur’s spectacular achievements during his 34 years with the De La Salle Spartans include a historic 12-year, 151-game run of consecutive wins, 20 undefeated seasons, seven national titles, five CIF Bowl championships, 17 state championships and 28 CIF North Coast titles. When Ladouceur retired in January 2013, he was the all-time winningest coach in California having amassed one of the highest-winning percentage of any coach (.934 percent) with his 399-25-3 record.

“On the surface, it appears that these players just won a lot of football games, but what makes this story so special is that this is a coach who placed little value on winning, instead focusing his players on giving ‘a perfect effort’ in life,” said producer David Zelon. “Underneath it is a resounding testimonial about how much more kids can achieve when they are challenged with responsibility and commitment.”

Here is a trailer for When The Game Stands Tall:

Veggietales MacLarry Coming Soon!

May 20, 2013May 20, 2013 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Big Idea is set to delivery a new episode from the award winning kids series VeggieTales. This time Larry The Cucumber takes the lead as “MacLarry” and brings us a lesson in getting along with others. Always a great reminder for kids and adults for that matter and as always audiences are served a brand new Silly Song (caution, may cause extreme laughter and singing unexpectedly in the car). The bad news is that you will have to wait until July 27th to secure your own copy. The good new is that we have the trailer for you to view. Oh, and by the way you can pre order your copy from http:///www.kidzonearth.com.

Overview of MacLarry:

A long time ago, in a land flowing with beards and kilts, there lived two clans who were locked in a longstanding feud! The tribes plotted against each other with various pranks, including water balloon ambushes, bad haircuts, and a host of other hijinks! Dwelling amongst these perpetual pranksters is “MacLarry” — a well-meaning young inventor who just wants to make kooky gadgets!

Try as he may, he has never mastered the art of pranking, even after much training from the Chief prankster himself; his father, Chog Norrius. Discouraged, MacLarry sets on a journey to find the great inventor “Archie-medes”, in hopes of finding a place he can belong. Meanwhile, the feud is escalating and Chog’s clan is plotting their biggest prank yet; releasing the stinkiest cheese in the land on their rivals! When the cheese caper goes afoul, Chog and the people realize they aren’t able to solve the situation on their own — they need MacLarry’s special skills to save the day! Will Chog and the tribe find MacLarry in time to convince him that his unique and God-given gifts are just what is needed to help both clans from being overcome by the loathsome Limburger and resolve their differences for good?

Pre order from http:///www.kidzonearth.com

Home Run The Movie Hits Theaters Today!

April 19, 2013 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

The long awaited release of the new baseball themed movie Home Run hits theaters across the nation today ( check the films web site for theater listings). Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and freedom are apart of America. Well freedom is also the central theme in this new theatrical release from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Home Run takes you on a journey of a man with a bright future, but is haunted by a troubled past. Home Run is a must see film that will entertain and inspire audiences and will also remind us all that there is hope in our journey of life. There are multitudes who are living life without hope and their addictions have completely overtaken and ruined their lives. My hope is that this movie will not only entertain, but will cause many to look inside and deal with their hurts, habits and hang ups that are keeping many from experiencing FREEDOM!

PLEASE NOTE: The movie is rated PG13 and is for junior high and above. The movie deals with some challenging topics and is not a movie for younger children.

HERE IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE FROM THE HOME RUN WEB SITE:

Baseball all-star Cory Brand knows what it takes to win in the big leagues. But off the field, with memories of his past haunting him, his life is spiraling out of control.

Hoping to save her client’s career and reputation after a DUI and a team suspension, Cory’s agent sends him back to the small town where he grew up. Forced to coach the local youth baseball team and spend eight weeks in the only recovery program in town, Cory can’t wait to return to his old life as quickly as possible.

As his young players help him experience the joy of the game, Cory discovers his need to find freedom from his past and hope for his future … and win back the love he left behind. With this unexpected second chance, Cory finds himself on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption.

Based on thousands of true stories, HOME RUN is a powerful reminder that with God, it’s never too late … freedom is possible.

Check out the Home Run Movie trailer and than buy a ticket and go see Home Run this weekend!

Not Today The Movie – In Theaters April 12

Video | April 10, 2013April 10, 2013 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

This Friday is a BIG weekend for a few films that will deliver a poignant message that is sure to impact the psyche of our culture. The movie “Not Today” is most definitely one of those films and was birthed out of a desire to educate and challenge society to do something to stop slavery. This is a giant issue to tackle and can be a challenge to really understand what a person can do to make a difference. Some may just ignore the issue and miss this movie altogether. So here’s a cliff note version of what your actions can do and simply start right here. First, please understand that as you support the film and spread the word this helps create a successful opening weekend. As a result more people will be hearing about the movie and this issue and will explore their roll in helping to fight against slavery. Secondly, your ticket to see the movie is their ticket out of slavery. As a result of spending your money you are partnering with Friends Media and the Dalit Freedom Network who have committed to building 200 schools that will assist in rescuing thousands of children out of the human trafficking business and will give them a new life full of hope.

Not Today is a film that will grab your heart and leave you compelled to do something well beyond the credits. Please check out the movie, invite some friends, talk about the issue and how you can make a difference. Please note that Not Today is not necessarily a family movie because of the subject matter ( PG-13).

SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE:

Caden Welles has the world at his disposal. With the resources of his wealthy father, he’s living life as large as any 20-year-old could dream. But what happens when that dream becomes a nightmare halfway around the world?

Traveling with his friends to Hyderabad, India on a whim, Caden’s expectations of a never-ending party crash hard. But not as hard as his conscience when he refuses to help a starving man and his little girl. Haunted by the images of Kiran and Annika, Caden attempts to right his wrong—only to discover Kiran has been forced to sell his own daughter.

Caden’s eyes are now opened to a world few Americans know still exists: a thriving human-trafficking trade. Add the dehumanization of Kiran and hundreds of millions of other Dalits due to India’s caste system, and Caden could easily turn his back.

Yet spurred by a true purpose, an unlikely new friendship, and the prayers of his mother and girlfriend back home, Caden chooses to help in Kiran’s unlikely search to find his daughter.

Starring Cody Longo, Walid Amini, Shari Rigby, and John Schneider, NOT TODAY challenges moviegoers with a purpose that goes beyond its gripping story. The movie was produced by Friends Church Yorba Linda, a congregation committed to educating the Dalits and ending human trafficking in India.

NOT TODAY is a powerful reminder that change is possible if we’re willing to open our eyes … today.

“If not now, then when? If not me, then who?” Jewish leader, Hiller the Elder

Thanks for reading!

Peace

Dave Almgren

42 is a Must See Movie!!

April 6, 2013April 6, 2013 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

This past week I had the chance to preview the new film called “42”. This is the story about Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. This is a film that engages and inspires you well beyond the credits. I say this because of the multiple layers in the movie and the fact that the movie is based upon a true story. The acting was superb and allowed you to become invested in the characters. The film is cut well, has high production value and the story keeps you engaged throughout the entire 128 minutes. This film is part love story, a lesson in over coming adversity, an inspirational story and a history lesson that leaves you thinking beyond the credits about the man, his mission and commitment to do things right.

I have to say I have followed baseball over the years and have been very familiar with Jackie Robinson and his life in baseball. Or at least I thought I did . . . But there are a few things that I learned from this film regarding the era, Jackie, his life and his convictions.

42 is a must see movie that will inspire you to do what is right. Challenge you to stand up for what you believe in and motivate you to stay the course. Jackie Robinson is truly an American legend who changed baseball and also challenge the nation to make a change in the right direction regarding race. I overheard some younger people in the audience that stated “who is Jackie Robinson?” I would imagine there are many from younger generations that are being introduced to Jackie and his story for the very first time. Mr Robinson is the kind of hero that we need today. Thank you Warner Brothers for telling the story and thank you Jackie for your example and staying the course!!

About the movie:
“42” based on a true story of two men-Jackie Robinson, the baseball great who broke the Major League color barrier, and Branch Rickey, the iconic Brooklyn Dodger GM who brought Robinson to the team. Their brave stand against racism forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. “Your enemy will be out in force, but you cannot meet him on his own low ground”……..”I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.”- Branch Rickey

Cast:
Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey), Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson), Nicole Beharie (Rachel Robinson), Christopher Meloni (Leo Durocher), Lucas Black (Pee Wee Reese)

Release Date:
4/12/2013

Rating:
PG-13

Running Time:
128 minutes

Veggietales The Little House that Stood – Review

March 28, 2013April 1, 2013 | Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Introducing Brycen’s new review called “Brycen’s Review to You!” Each segment will feature reviews of new children’s videos and products. What better than to hear from an eight year old regarding her feelings about new stuff available to families and kids? On Brycen’s first review post she gives an overview and her insightful thoughts about this new Veggietales episode The Little House That Stood.