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When Love Costs Something

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told without words.

Forevergreen is a remarkable animated short film — brought to life by over 200 artists who donated their time and talent over five years — that tells its entire story without dialogue. It’s a visual and emotional journey about an orphaned bear cub who finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, only to be drawn away by temptation and danger before ultimately facing the choice of whether to return.

The film has captivated audiences at festivals around the world and is even nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Short Film, a testament to its depth, artistry, and emotional resonance.

But beneath the handcrafted beauty and heart-tugging narrative lies something even more profound — a reflection of the mystery and cost of true love.

From Screen to Heart: Seeing Real Love in a Story

At first glance, Forevergreen may seem like a simple tale of friendship between a bear and a tree. But the deeper you watch, the more you realize this story isn’t just about nature — it’s about relationship, separation, consequence, and redemption.

The evergreen gives the bear a home and teaches it how to survive. But when the cub is tempted by easy rewards (symbolized in the film by trash and junk), it wanders into danger. Left to face the consequences of its choices, the bear must come to terms with what it has lost — and what it risks losing forever.

This narrative reflects something familiar to all of us: the struggle between what is easy and what is right, between temptation and wisdom, between self-interest and love.

“Forevergreen takes the powerfully moving truth of divine love and couches it in such an entertaining and emotional way…”
— Review quoted on the official film site.

True Love Is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling

Everyday life gives us countless echoes of the same theme.

  • A parent sacrificing sleep and personal plans to care for a sick child
  • A firefighter running into danger to rescue strangers
  • A friend showing up when it would be easier to stay away

These moments may be small and unseen, but they all share something important: love is not simply felt — it is chosen.

Sacrificial love requires us to deny ourselves, to face discomfort, to choose someone else’s well-being over our own convenience. That’s why these quiet acts resonate so deeply within us.

The Perfect Example: Jesus, the Sacrificial Love

All of the moments of love we see on screen or in everyday life point to a deeper truth — a love that is not learned from a script or born out of convenience, but lived out at a cost.

Jesus of Nazareth described this kind of love in the clearest terms recorded in Scripture:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

He didn’t just speak these words — He embodied them. At the cross, Jesus willingly laid down His life not for perfect people, but for flawed humanity. He chose sacrifice so that we might be restored, forgiven, and known. His was not a love of comfort — it was a love of cost.

The Moment Everything Became Clear

As Forevergreen unfolds, the story becomes more than just a charming animated journey — it becomes a mirror. It asks us:

  • What do we chase?
  • Who do we turn to when we are in danger?
  • What does love cost us — and what cost are we willing to pay?

And in that reflection, we see the truth Jesus taught us — that love is most deeply revealed not in ease, but in laying down what we hold most dear.

**There truly is…
no greater love.

Reflection & Prayer

Think about this:
Who in your life is God asking you to love sacrificially today?

Prayer:
Lord, help us to see love not as a feeling but as a choice. Teach us to lay down our lives in small ways that reflect Your great sacrifice for us. Give us courage to choose love over ease, and selflessness over comfort. Amen.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast and FaithandFamilyFilms.Com

Unfinished Business: The Inspiring True Story of Mike Flynt and The Senior

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

The Senior is more than just a sports film — it’s a powerful testament to courage, redemption, and the idea that it’s never too late to finish what life started. The movie tells the true story of Mike Flynt, a man who chased an unfinished dream nearly 40 years after it began.

Who Is Mike Flynt?

Mike Flynt was a standout high school linebacker in Odessa, Texas — part of the Permian High School team that won the state championship in 1965. He went on to play linebacker at Sul Ross State University and served as team captain, but his college football career ended abruptly before his senior season due to off-field trouble and disciplinary issues. That loss weighed on him for decades.

The Comeback at 59

In 2007, at 59 years old, Flynt did something almost no one believed he would: he returned to Sul Ross State to finish his college football career. A chance conversation with old teammates at a reunion challenged him to act on his regrets. After confirming he was still technically eligible, he walked on to the team, becoming one of the oldest college football players in NCAA history.

Instead of glory, his comeback was about redemption, grit, and purpose — proving age is no barrier to pursuing unfinished dreams.

From Real Life to the Big Screen

The film The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and starring Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt (with Mary Stuart Masterson as his wife Eileen), dramatizes this remarkable journey. At its heart, the story isn’t just about football — it’s about integrity, reconciliation, and family (themes that echo strongly if you watch the video about Mike’s story).

Through both heart-pounding gridiron scenes and quieter, emotional moments, The Senior invites audiences to reflect on:

  • What we would do for a second chance
  • The courage it takes to make peace with the past
  • How community, family, and faith can fuel a comeback

The tagline — it’s hard to believe it’s a true story — isn’t just a marketing line. It’s a challenge to every one of us: What dream have you set aside that’s still waiting to be pursued?

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

God. Family. Football. A Life Story of Faith, Mentorship, and Legacy

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

I first met Pastor Denny Duron back in the 1990s at youth retreats in Oregon. Even then, long before God. Family. Football. existed on screens, there was something unmistakable about his passion — not just for football but for each young life he ministered to. That early impression has only deepened now that the world gets to see his story unfold on Amazon Freevee and Fox Nation.

From Quarterback to Pastor-Coach: A Life Built on Faith

Duron’s journey began on the football field long before there was a docu series. Born in 1952 in Texas, he was a standout quarterback at Louisiana Tech University, leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back Division II national championships in 1972 and 1973 and earning all-conference honors.

After a brief professional stint — including time in the World Football League and signing with the Washington Redskins — God’s calling took him out of the limelight and into ministry. It was that same sense of calling that later brought him back into football, but with a renewed purpose: using the game as a platform to mentor young men in faith, character, and life beyond the field.

Duron founded the football program at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, and over decades the Eagles became a powerhouse — with numerous state championships and recognition as one of the nation’s top high school programs.

Today he wears many hats — pastor of Shreveport Community Church, chancellor of Evangel Christian Academy, coach, author, and communicator of faith — yet his message remains consistent: God first, family second, and football third.

The Series: Real Lives, Real Faith

God. Family. Football. premiered on Amazon Freevee in September 2023 and has since gained new life on Fox Nation, where Season 2 and beyond continue to follow the Eagles’ journey.

Unlike typical sports documentaries, this series isn’t just about wins and losses. Centered on the 2022 season, it highlights:

  • The emotional and spiritual growth of players
  • Real struggles off the field — family issues, personal goals, and pressures of adolescence
  • The profound impact of mentorship and community support

Through the cameras, viewers see what I saw in person all those years ago — a coach who genuinely cares about who his players become, not just how they perform.

Season 3, which premiered in August 2025 on Fox Nation, introduces new storylines — including rising quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston and Damari “DayDay” Drake’s moving journey through family reconciliation — reinforcing that this isn’t just about football, but life’s victories and setbacks.

Why This Story Matters

What sets God. Family. Football. apart is its heart. Yes, there are incredible athletic moments and dramatic Friday night lights. But at its core is a message about faith-first living — a principle I witnessed firsthand from Pastor Duron decades ago. He’s not just coaching players. He’s shaping character. He’s modeling resilience. He’s pointing to a purpose bigger than any scoreboard.

And that’s what keeps audiences coming back season after season. Viewers resonate with the idea that football is real, but faith and family are deeper still.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

A Great Awakening: A Powerful New Film from Sight & Sound Coming Easter 2026

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Sight & Sound Films, the storytellers known for bringing faith-centered, history-inspired stories to life, are set to release their latest cinematic journey, A Great Awakening, on April 3, 2026, in movie theaters nationwide. This inspiring historical drama arrives at a meaningful moment — coinciding with the 250th anniversary of America’s founding — and promises to engage audiences with a compelling blend of faith, freedom, and the human spirit.

A Story That Shaped a Nation

Set in the tense years before the American Revolution, A Great Awakening tells the true story of an unlikely friendship that played an instrumental role in shaping the moral and spiritual foundations of a nation. At the heart of the film is Reverend George Whitefield, the charismatic preacher whose sermons sparked the first Great Awakening, a sweeping spiritual renewal that united communities across the colonies.

As the colonies teetered on the brink of collapse, Whitefield’s voice echoed through towns and cities, inspiring a generation to embrace faith as a catalyst for liberty. Along the way, he forged a remarkable friendship with Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. Through this relationship, the film explores how true freedom isn’t just codified in laws — it’s awakened in people’s hearts.

Director Joshua Enck, who also serves as President & Chief Story Officer of Sight & Sound, explains that the film’s mission is to remind audiences how ordinary people — guided by extraordinary faith — can help steer the course of history.

From Stage to Screen: Sight & Sound’s Expanding Vision

Sight & Sound has spent more than five decades delighting audiences with immersive live productions attended by millions at their theaters in Pennsylvania and Missouri. Their transition into feature film making builds on this legacy of dramatic storytelling and spiritual depth. A Great Awakening follows earlier Sight & Sound films like I Heard the Bells (2022) and NOAH — Live!, expanding their reach into cinema through partnerships with distributors like Roadside Attractions.

Audiences can expect the same epic scale, richly detailed sets, original music, and human storytelling that have become hallmarks of Sight & Sound’s creative work — now crafted for the big screen with a nationwide theatrical release.

Early Audience Buzz

Reaction to the film’s first trailer has been enthusiastic. As one viewer put it:

“The trailer for the movie knocked me out with how good this film looks. A must see movie.” — Nick, Stamford CT

That kind of excitement suggests A Great Awakening won’t just be another historical drama — it could become a meaningful experience for anyone who loves stories about faith, freedom, and transformative friendships. Make plans to embark on a cinematic journey this coming Easter! In theaters April 3rd, 2026.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

A New larryboy movie – Is it True?

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Hey everyone! Big news for VeggieTales fans—especially those who love our favorite suction cup-eared superhero, LarryBoy! I heard that Big Idea Content Group announced a brand-new LARRYBOY theatrical movie coming soon! And according to IMDBPro, the title of the new movie is LarryBoy Begins. That’s right, It looks like LarryBoy is finally making his big-screen debut!

“VeggieTales has always been the gold standard for faith-based kids’ animation,” says Art Ayris. “And there’s no better way to bring that magic to theaters than putting LarryBoy and all those classic VeggieTales characters front and center again.”

The VeggieTales franchise is the most successful faith-based children’s series ever, with over $1.7 billion in retail sales. And Big Idea has already released two theatrical films—Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie back in 2002 and The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything in 2008—earning over $39 million at the box office combined. This new LarryBoy Begins film will continue that legacy with the faith-friendly storytelling, wacky humor, and silly songs fans have come to love.

The cast features familiar voices, including Mike Nawrocki as Larryboy, Kirk Cameron as the Barber, and many others voices returning to bring new and old characters to life.

“LarryBoy is a fan favorite and who doesn’t love a superhero with plungers on the side of his head?” says Leslie Ferrell, SVP at Big Idea. “Fans have been asking for more, and now they’re finally going to get it. We’re excited to bring a movie the whole family can enjoy.”

While the plot is still under wraps, Producer Dan Merrell is leading the charge with a team of talented writers, ready to give LarryBoy his first big-screen adventure.

“I’ve loved LarryBoy for decades,” says Merrell. “I can’t wait for longtime fans and new audiences alike to experience a fresh VeggieTales film that honors the classics while delivering some fun surprises.”

🎙️ I am looking forward to seeing LarryBoy to swing into theaters in LarryBoy Begins, plungers and all! So Veggietales fans, be on the lookout for updates and a theatrical release date.

Plungers Away! Dave Almgren – Faith and Family Films News and Notes

Where Does Hope Grow?

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

In a heartwarming blend of faith, film, and fun, Two Pastors, Popcorn, and a Movie caught up with the creative force behind Where Hope Grows and its unforgettable star, David DeSanctis. What followed was a rich conversation full of laughter, insight, and soul—as they unpacked the movie’s powerful message, shared real-life reflections, and bonded over their mutual love for buttery popcorn and meaningful cinema. The movie hit the big screen a few years ago and is now currently streaming on Netflix. Check out our interview—you won’t want to miss it!

The Power of Story – “mo’olelo”

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

A few nights ago, I encountered someone whose very presence was a story in itself: a man who is 104 years old, born in 1920. It’s remarkable to think about what this man has lived through. In over a century of life, his story has likely been shaped by historic changes, cultural shifts, and countless personal experiences. His existence sparked a larger contemplation for me—what is his story, and how has it shaped him?

This reflection extended to everyone I saw that night while walking through the park in Waikiki. People passed by, some sitting on the grass, others strolling along the pathways. Each person carried with them their own narrative. Did they grow up in Hawaii, or did they move here? What led them to this specific moment in time? Do they know Jesus? Their stories, though perhaps less known than those of public figures or historical icons, are no less significant. Every person’s life is a mosaic of experiences, decisions, and encounters, and in Hawaiian culture, storytelling plays a crucial role in recognizing this.

In traditional Hawaiian society, storytelling was an oral art form, passed down through generations in the form of “moʻolelo” (narratives) and chants. These stories weren’t just for entertainment; they were the primary way to preserve history, cultural practices, and moral lessons. Storytelling connected people to their ancestors and the land. While the medium of storytelling has expanded —from oral traditions to written word, to digital media —the core purpose remains the same: to communicate, to connect, and to remember.

Today, storytelling often takes place on the big screen. Films have become one of the most powerful mediums for sharing stories on a grand scale. True-to-life narratives, whether they depict historical events or personal struggles, have the ability to deeply move audiences. Films can evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. In many ways, they help individual stories become universal. The films we watch are not only entertainment—Movies like ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ or the soon to be released animated movies “David” and The King of Kings‘. They are reflections of human experience.

But what is it that makes certain stories land on the big screen? What elevates some narratives to global recognition while others remain untold? It’s worth considering that even though some stories get the spotlight, every narrative holds value. The elderly man in the park, the runner passing by, the quiet onlooker at the café —each story holds meaning. Yet, for some, the stage is larger, and their stories resonate more broadly.

However, it’s not the size of the audience that determines the value of a story—it’s the impact it has on those who hear it. In the realm of faith, storytelling also plays a central role. Churches have long been places where the greatest stories are shared—stories of hope, redemption, and transformation. The story of Christ is a narrative of profound significance, and the ways in which it’s communicated continue to evolve. Just as we use modern media to tell personal stories, we can also use these tools to share messages of faith.

Ultimately, stories are bridges. They connect us to others, allow us to understand different perspectives, and inspire us to think beyond ourselves. Whether told in a park, in a church, or on the big screen, stories have the power to make people feel heard, valued, and part of something larger.

Dave Almgren – The Movie Guy and Co Host of Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.

Message In Motion

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

What do Amiee Semple McPherson, Pine Wood Studios London, World Wide Pictures, the Salvation Army, hippies during the ‘Jesus Revolution,’ and the Erwin Brothers have in common? The answer: They have all utilized ‘the-media-of-the-day’ to reach the masses with the Gospel.

Aimee used ‘illustrated-sermons’ when she preached at Angelus Temple Foursquare Church.

In 1915 a missionary group noticed that the silent films of the day were not wholesome. So they countered by launching Pinewood Studios, London, to create family-friendly content.

Billy Graham made the Gospel come alive via World Wide Pictures. The Salvation Army, Australia, used film to present the Gospel.

During the ’60’s and ‘70’s the hippies of the Jesus Revolution used music and gospel tracks to communicate the love of God and the Gospel message.

The Erwin Brothers have produced motion pictures presenting stories of hope worldwide.

Film, especially motion pictures, is the most powerful ‘media-of-our-day’ for telling stories. And telling stories is a powerful way to communicate ‘Truth.’ There is nothing like a motion picture to engage the senses. We see life-like images on the screen. We hear the music, conversations and sound effects. We feel the emotional connection to the characters. It is a magical mixture that can drive the audience either in a positive or negative direction.

I have been in the faith and family film industry for more than a decade and can say unequivocally that film in the ‘faith space’ moves audiences toward hope and the Good News. This Movie Guy has seen a multitude of Pastors embolden their congregations to attend faith-based films and have seen positive and dramatic life responses. I encourage those of you who have not utilized this powerful tool to try this media-of-our-day very soon.

Movies produced by dedicated, Christian filmmakers like the Erwin’s, move audiences from contemplation and reflection to life-changing actions; films like: October Baby, where some expectant mothers walked out of the movie with changed minds, deciding to have their babies rather than seek an abortion. Mom’s Night Out reinforced that ‘the JOY of the Lord is our strength. Woodlawn brought a message of hope and salvation to high school football teams across the U.S.A. And I Can Only Imagine showed us the hope of Jesus Christ in the middle of tragedy.

Their new film, The Jesus Revolution, will arrive in theaters in February 2023. It’s a true story about the sea of young people who descended on Southern California in the ‘70’s, intent on redefining ‘Truth,’ through Rock and Roll, drugs and newfound love. But by a ‘twist-of-faith,’ the Jesus Revolution became the greatest spiritual awakening in American history and changed the world.

Maybe there are people in your community, Pastor, that desperately need to hear the Gospel. And it just might be presented via the ‘media-of-the-day,’ Faith-Based-Film!

Dave, the Movie Guy- Dave Almgren – FaithandFamilyFilms.info

Did you miss this Announcement?

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

This past week Kingdom Story Company and the Erwin Brothers announced their next film coming to theaters in February of 2023.

The new film is called “Jesus Revolution,” and this movie has been on a long journey to bring the story to the BIG screen.

Here is the synopsis of the story:

Inspired by a true movement, JESUS REVOLUTION tells the story of a young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Inadvertently, Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith lead to a JESUS REVOLUTION that turns one counterculture movement into a revival that changes the world

Jesus Revolution is a moving film that captures the essence of a troubled time in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. It was a time when the youth were looking for truth in all the wrong places. Eventually, many (over 250k just in California) of the 60’s generation had an encounter with God, and their lives were changed and transformed. The Jesus Revolution changed the course of history in America, and the country was radically altered for the better.

Even though this film is a nostalgic look at what God could do in the past, it is also a reminder that if God did it before, he could do it again!

Jesus Revolution stars Joel Courtney, Anna Grace Barlow, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Jonathan Roumie, and Kelsey Grammer. The movie is directed by Jon Erwin, and Brent McCorkle and will hit theaters on February 24, 2023. Click here to check out the Jesus Revolution website.