Author: Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Home Run The Movie Hits Theaters Today!

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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

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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!!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

ImageThis 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!!

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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

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Veggietales The House That StoodIntroducing 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.

Click here to secure your copy of Veggietales The Little House That Stood

Thanks for your time and remember this – the choices you make today will determine who you  are tomorrow.

Does Club Jelly Telly Help Fill The Void?

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

ImageSo what is Club Jelly Telly anyway? Is it the latest jelly of the month club for those families that can’t make their monthly run to Costco? I had to say it – because that may have been the first thought that popped into your mind.  No, It’s not from Harry and David’s, but from the one and only Phil Vischer (creator of Veggietales). In my last post I talked about the church stepping up and bringing wholesome family programming to the table. Well, Phil Vischer is one those pioneers and he is certainly is a covered wagon, head for the west type of pioneers that is willing to step out and take a risk and is attempting to fill the void.

Here is what Club Jelly Telly is all about.

Club JellyTelly is a unique online network for families, developed by VeggieTales and What’s In the Bible? creator, Phil Vischer. As a faith-based alternative to other chidren’s programming, JellyTelly provides families with a safe place to learn and play online. We have gathered the largest and most diverse collection of Christian children’s programming in the world for families to enjoy and engage.

Whether you want to spend some quality time with your family or just need a break in the day, Club JellyTelly is here to provide programming that you can believe in!

Click Here to Listen to Phil Vischer talk about Jelly Telly;

So to answer the question that is in the title of this blog. I would have to say Yes! I believe Club Jelly Telly does fill a void and provides parents with excellent family programing that parents can be proud of and whole heartily support! So here we go folks, here is an effort that we can support and get behind with our wallet. The site is up and running and Phil needs our support (Jelly Telly).   If you like what you see and you can afford $5.00 per month. Give it a try and see how your family likes the programming content.

Thanks Phil for being a pioneer and for filling the void!!

Dave Almgren – Family Films

The Theater Industry Wants More Family Films

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This just in . . .

The theater industry is looking for more family films and they are saying that the lack of the family genre is hurting their box office numbers. Well – this is interesting and very telling. Many have felt that there is a HUGE void regarding the lack of choices for families these days when they venture out to take in a film at their local theater.  So with this void, the question that rises to top for me is this. Will there continue to be a void or will the dark hole be filled with some creative, quality family films that engage, entertain and leave audiences wanting more?  Frances Schaffer Sr. ( Author and Theologian) often talked about how the church has abandoned the arts over the years and really stepped away from creative expression.  I believe that the church should be setting the standard and allowing creative story telling to rise up and take center stage. There are so many incredible stories still yet to be told.  At the end of the day  I believe that are many creatives  that have come to the same conclusion and they are doing something about it! They are telling their stories and allowing God to use their creative process to enrich our culture with powerful movies that can impact and shape modern culture.

So Here is the kicker. When these films arrive on the scene and we (the church) have an opportunity to support those who are telling their stories through the use film, we need to show up and support them!!!  Here it goes . . .  Stop complaining about culture and DO something about it. Vote with your wallet, do what you can to champion the film arts and creative families films that are so desperately needed. Not just to satisfy the box office numbers for the theater industry, but to impact culture with family friendly, clean, wholesome, entertaining movies.

Click here to read the story from Deadline.com

Random Thought #422 The Bible

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Random thought of the day:
You may have heard that one the most popular shows on tv right now is The History Channels new series called The Bible (68 Million viewers). It seems like there are many who are watching and learning about the most read book in history. Many today do not know much if anything about the Bible and the stories between the pages. So is the visibility of this series causing people to talk? Are there conversations around the water cooler at the office as well as the virtual water cooler taking place? I believe there are many conversation regarding issues of faith taking place and God is using this series to bring people to place where they are having healthy discussions about the Bible and its core message of hope and God’s love for the world.

James Hong Interview in Portland

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In 2013 I was working on a new family movie called “The Lost Medallion” and I had the chance to interview one of the stars of the film. You may not recognize his name, but at some point in the last sixty years you surely have seen the face or heard the voice of James Hong on TV or in film. James has appeared in over 500 film and television shows, not to mentioned the many voice over roles throughout the years. James did the voice over for Mr.Ping in Kung Fu Panda #1 and #2 and he says maybe in Kung Fu Panda #3.

The day of the interview just happened to be Mr. Hong’s 84th birthday. He shared that he really started out in thIMG_4845e business as a comic  and included impersonations of Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney and others in his routine ( he shared a few impersonations with us as well). James Hong is classy gentleman and it was a thrill to meet this Hollywood legend.

Summer Staycation Ideas for Families!

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SUMMER STAYCATION IDEAS

Summer staycation ideasIt’s summer time once again and it is also time to be creative with regards to family outings that will not break the bank. Gas prices are still very high and the cost to travel can add up very fast. We have a few ideas that will apply to specific events in Portland Oregon – but many cities will also feature similar events for families. Be creative and use the local resources in your community to enrich your family summer experience. As a result you will not spend more money than you need to – but you will create some lasting memories for your family.

GREAT FAMILY PLACES TO EAT!

Check out The Grilled Cheese Grill in North East Portland (Alberta Street area). This cool eatery sits on the  corner and is an old Air stream Trailer and you order your Grilled Cheese Sandwich ( that is all they serve) any way you may want it served. Than you can mosey on over to the old school bus where you can grab a seat for the entire family and enjoy your Grilled Cheese master piece.

KIDS EAT FREE!

Many restaurants offer FREE meal for kids with with the purchase of an adult meal. These offers can really help this summer and can keep costs down as you plan you Staycation events this summer. Do a Google search to find all the kids friendly restaurants in your community. Consider going out once a week with your family and create some summer time memories. 

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE PARK!

Check your local parks for Free movies for families. Portland Oregon has a full summer schedule of Free movies in the park. Check your local parks and Rec web site for more details on times and locations and movies playing.

CREATE YOUR OWN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

images-1It is Friday night. What are you going to do? Going to a movie at the theater can set you back $50.00 or more images-2after popcorn, drinks and tickets. We suggest that you buy or rent a family movie and show it at home. Make some popcorn, roll out the blankets and enjoy the evening together. Another option is to check out the secondary theaters that usually show family movies during the summer at a reduced rate.

NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE NIGHT

Or create a family movie night for your block with families in the neighborhood. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and to get outside the walls of your house. This past summer one entire street was blocked off and a screen was set up in the middle of the street for the movie. Everyone had a great time and neighbors were talking and creating memories together.

KidzOnEarth.com features a wide variety of faith and family movie titles that will deliver a great entertaining story.

Click here to view the movie titles at KidzOnEarth.com