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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

What I Didn’t Expect to Find in Man vs. Baby

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

When people sit down to watch a Rowan Atkinson comedy, they expect slapstick, chaos, and wonderfully awkward moments. Netflix’s Man vs. Baby certainly delivers all of that—but on a closer look, the series also holds surprising Christian themes woven beneath the humor.

While the premise is simple—a man unexpectedly caring for a baby faces escalating challenges—the show uses its comedic structure to highlight deeper truths about compassion, humility, and redemption.

1. Caring for Others: A Modern Parable of Compassion

Throughout the series, Trevor (Rowan Atkinson) repeatedly tries—though imperfectly—to do what is right. Even when everything spirals out of control, his intentions remain rooted in care, especially for the vulnerable child placed in his hands.

This reflects a deeply Christian principle: love is demonstrated not through perfection but through self-giving compassion, especially toward those who cannot repay us. Trevor’s clumsy, heartfelt efforts mirror the biblical call to care for “the least of these.”

2. Hospitality: Welcoming Strangers From the Cold

Another meaningful theme in the show is hospitality. Despite his own struggles, Trevor repeatedly chooses generosity:

  • inviting strangers inside
  • offering warmth and food
  • showing care even when it inconveniences him

These moments echo Scripture’s teachings on welcoming the stranger, reminding viewers that hospitality is a holy act—an outward sign of inward kindness.

3. The Nativity-Like Climax: How the True Meaning of Christmas Shines Through

The closing scene of Man vs. Baby—featuring a life-size nativity—is far more than a comedic flourish. It becomes the emotional and spiritual anchor of the series.

At its core, the true meaning of Christmas is this:

  • God entering the world in humility
  • hope arriving through a child
  • light breaking into ordinary, messy life
  • love choosing vulnerability

The nativity scene in the finale captures these themes beautifully. Trevor, exhausted and humbled, stands amid figures representing Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus—a symbolic reminder that grace often comes in the middle of chaos, not in spite of it.

Here, the comedy of the series gives way to a moment of stillness and reflection. The baby he has spent the entire show trying to protect suddenly becomes a symbol of the very heart of Christmas: that every life has value, that love shows up quietly, and that redemption often begins in the simplest acts of care.

This visual parallel doesn’t just conclude the story—it re-frames it.
The series becomes a modern parable about how unexpectedly holy the everyday moments of compassion can be.

4. Comedy as a Vessel for Spiritual Reflection

What makes Man vs. Baby so effective is that it doesn’t preach. Instead, it uses humor to explore:

  • how compassion grows through trial
  • how humility leads to transformation
  • how caring for others—even clumsily—reflects divine love

In the end, comedy becomes a bridge to spiritual truth.

Conclusion: A Lighthearted Story With a Christmas Heart

Man vs. Baby may look like a simple comedic series about a man caring for a baby in chaotic circumstances, but beneath the laughter lies a tender moral core. Themes of care, hospitality, humility, and redemption shape the story, culminating in a finale that quietly but clearly points to the true meaning of Christmas.

In the life-size nativity scene, the show reminds us that grace often appears in the most unexpected places—and sometimes, as Trevor learns, caring for someone small and fragile can reveal the deepest truths of the season. Man vs. Baby is playing NOW on Netflix.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and A Movie Podcast

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.

A Breakthrough Year for Your Community

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

By Pastor Jason Noble

jasonheadshot#2Every pastor and church leader I know is looking for creative ways to reach their community, and engage their congregation. In our world today it seems like it’s getting more challenging to creatively reach people in our communities who do not normally attend church. So much is vying for their time and attention. From social media to family to work to entertainment, life has gotten increasingly crazy. Cofilm-movies-600xx3157-2105-0-233uple the craziness and bombardment with the idea that church isn’t even on people’s radar and as a result we definitely have our work cut out for us. The good news is that there are incredible tools at our disposable today to creatively reach our community. This is an exciting time to live. Where we can leverage all of the tools and technology to reach people in our communities. We just have to think different, possibly change the method (we never change the message) and get creative.

Over the last two years I have traveled the nation working on the movie Breakthrough. Not only am I the real pastor in the story, I also have had the opportunity to work on the Church marketing and Engagement team. My passion and focus has been on helping pastors and congregations creatively use this movie as a tool to reach their community. The results have been incredible. Churches have literally had a $15 million-dollar tool paid for by a major Hollywood studio to reach their communities. Did you know that 70%-80% of your community have been to a movie theater? The outreach potential is amazing. People may come to the theater for a movie, before they would ever come to your church.

Hundreds of churches bought out theaters and took groups across the United States to Breakthrough. Churches literally had the opportunity to share the gospel in the theaters and people responded. The result is thousands of people were saved and introduced to local churches in a very creative way. Film impacts people in a powerful way. A great film with a powerful story can reach the heart of a person like nothing I have ever seen before. It’s an incredible tool. Breakthrough came out right before Easter, and answered the question that many pastors have which is “How can I creatively reach my community with the Easter message different than I have before.” Many churches took advantage of Breakthrough and used the movie to promote their Easter services and saw many people came back on Easter Sunday.

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Using film as to reach your community and engage your congregation is easy. The ROI or Return on investment is massive. Most of the work is done for you. All you have to do is setup the showing and arrange it group sales, promote the film, recruit volunteers to help welcome people, recruit a prayer team, and show up. The rest of the work is done for you. You don’t have to worry about concessions or even cleaning up. It’s an easy outreach that will have big impact.

Great tools are created to help you promote and plan for your film outreach. Most faith-based projects provide promotional resources, sermons series, small group curriculum, and video clips to promote the film and make it easy for churches and pastors. Churches also have the tools to equip and empower their congregation members to invite their friends and family to be their guest and come with them to the movie. A movie outreach at the theater becomes a great opportunity for your church families to engage in reaching people in their lives. Asking your friends and family to come to a movie is a very easy thing to do for most people. It’s a great tool to place in their hands to reach people.

You can also use a film to build community in your congregation, or even rent out a whole theater to take your volunteers for a volunteer appreciation. Churches can use a film for many opportunities to make an impact on their congregation and the people in their community.

There was a 15-year girl in Medical Lake WA who had the idea to use “Breakthrough” to reach all of her friends. For her birthday she asked her parents if she could rent out a whole theater. Her birthday was right around the opening weekend. She wanted all of her friends to hear the message behind “Breakthrough”. Her parents rented out the whole theater for her birthday and show “Breakthrough” to a full crowd of all of her friends. A couple of days later she died in a car accident. The kind of impact that she had will only be known when we get to heaven some day. But I promise you this 16-year girl knew what it meant to use a tool like “Breakthrough” to reach the people in her life.

SD poster 12_6_19Currently, we are working on a new movie called “Selfie Dad”  and it hits theaters June 12th, 2020. One week before Fathers Day.

So what is Selfie Dad all about?

Well some films have an inspiring faith-based message and others are fall-out-of-your-chair funny, but has there ever been a film that was both? Enter Selfie Dad.

Meet Ben Marcus, a husband and father who finds himself caught in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Ben has a lot to be thankful for, but despite everything he has achieved, he simply isn’t happy. He decides that the best way to fill the hole in his life is to fulfill his long set aside dream of becoming a comedian. And what better way to jump start his comedic career than with a YouTube channel? Much to his surprise (and his daughter’s embarrassment), a video of Ben goes viral! Just like that, his new career as “Selfie Dad” takes off, and before Ben knows it, he’s a social media phenomenon!

So why is he still unhappy?

Meet Mickey, a brash IT guy who’s studying to be a pastor. He knows exactly what’s really missing from Ben’s life. Will Ben be open to hearing the Word, and we he allow his heart and life to be truly changed?

At its heart, Selfie Dad is an inspiring story about the power of the Bible told through humor and compassion. Traditionally, faith based films with a strong message are dramas; however, Selfie Dad aims to bring healing and understanding through laughter. After all, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?

Selfie Dad stars comedian Michael JR, and Chondra Pierce. The movie is a great family movie that encourages dads to dig in deeper to their relationship with God. It’s a powerful movie that helps dads be better dads by digging into the Bible. The movie will be a great tool for churches to use. Pastors and Church leaders don’t miss the opportunity to reach your community and your congregation this spring with the movie “Selfie Dad” The movie will be a great follow-up for families right after Easter. It’s easy to promote the movie during your Easter services and then a couple of weeks later go as a congregation. Churches and groups are able to buy-out theaters, and take groups to the theater.

If you have any questions go to selfiedadfilm.com or if we can help you strategize to reach your community with Selfie Dad or any other movie, please email me at jason@advanceteamfilms.com or David Almgren at dave@advanceteamfilms.com.

We are praying  for you and your church and that 2020 is the most incredible BREAKTHROUGH year ever for reaching your community!

Pastor Jason Noble is featured in the highly successful Fox theatrical release of the movie Breakthrough.

Breakthrough is Coming!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

As I sit back and observe this crazy world we live in, I can’t help but think that we all need a breakthrough in our lives. This world is in desperate need of a breakthrough in so many ways and ultimately we need a spiritual breakthrough of revival to bring back what was once dead to new life. We need a breakthrough in our churches, our communites, our homes, in regards to the words we use and how we treat others day in and day out.

We need a spiritual breakthrough and we need it soon!

There is a movie coming to theaters April 17th, 2019 that I believe will impact the culture and will spark revival in the hearts of many in this country and around the world. It’s a powerful story about a boy that died. A mom that prayed and the boy who miraculously came back to life after being DEAD for over an hour.

The movie is called Breakthrough  and it’s based on the inspirational true story of one mother’s unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John’s recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and director Roxann Dawson, adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith’s own book, BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle. Synopsis provided by Fox.

Check out what a few national voices are saying about the movie Breakthrough.

“Breakthrough grabs your heart and never let’s go. The characters are genuine, believable and most of all, relatable-because they are people you know, and one of them is likely you. It’s a story of faith over fear when everything and everyone around you says to give up. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and in the end you’re faith will breakthrough!”     Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and a drowning survivor.

“Breakthrough is THE must-see movie for 2019. It’s action-packed, heart warming and soul-stirring.” Ryan Frank – KidzMatter Magazine

Check out the trailer below and think about checking out this movie when it hits theaters April 17th, 2019. My hope is that it will not only be entertaining, but it will also challenge you and encourage you, it will inspire you, it will spark new life in your walk with the Lord and it will remind you that God still does miracles each and every day.

Think about this as well. Don’t miss out on all the miracles that are all around you and the opportunity you have each and every day to be used by God to be a miracle in the lives of others.

Check out the trailer below for Breakthrough and you can also pick up the book of the same title. It’s a great read.

Thanks for stopping by for a few minutes and please join me in praying for revival!

Dave Almgren

Faith and Family Films

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Lessons Of Grace

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

graceFrom early on in my adult life I knew deep in my heart that my travels through Life would be a little different from ‘the norm’.  I married later than all of my friends, started a family later, and then was blessed to have a daughter who happens to have Down Syndrome.  We had the name ‘Grace’ picked out years before she came along (it is the meaning of my name) and appropriately it means ‘Gift’.  For that is what Grace has been to our family.  It has indeed been a Journey. Grace is now 15 years old and although we get to experience the tween attitude now, we would not trade her in for anything.

Here are some of the Lessons of Grace that we have learned over the years:

  1. IT IS OKAY TO TALK TO PEOPLE ON THE ELEVATOR OR IN LINE… We all tend to avoid eye contact or just stare straight ahead.  Grace, however, loves to meet everyone and socialize with them.  We have met so many strangers over the years because of her.
  2. WHEN PEOPLE ARE SAD, THEY JUST WANT TO BE HUGGED… She is always concerned when someone is crying or sad and wants to hug and console them. Personally, I have a tough time hugging others and do not always know what to do or say when someone is sad.  Grace is teaching me that it is okay to embrace others more.
  3. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SAY “I’M SORRY” IF YOU HURT ANYONE… There were many times that Grace was the reason why other little girls (usually the emotional ones) would be crying.  She went through a long stage of pulling hair when she was young.  I think she was just fascinated with long, golden hair and would reach out to touch it, causing the owner to pull away in shock and get her hair tugged.  Yet Grace always said “Sorry..” and would then try to hug them tightly.  She did not make many close friends during this stage.LessonsfromGrace#1
  4. PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN TOYS… I have been asked multiple times what Grace’s interests or favorite toys are.  It has always been people.  She came out a social butterfly and chats away with anyone she engages with.  However, she has also embarrassed me at times with her strong opinions.  One time someone we met was so excited to get our girls together and Grace took one look at the daughter and said “I don’t like her!” They eventually did become friends, yet that was quite humbling.
  5. SOMETIMES WE JUST NEED TO STOP AND TAKE A NAP… Anywhere. Anytime.  Enough said.
  6. IF YOU ARE SAD, JUST SAY “I AM HAPPY” AND FORGET ABOUT WHAT WAS UPSETTING YOU… Of my three kids, Grace gets over a foul mood quicker than any of them and flashes a smile to let us know that she is happy again.  If only it was that easy for the rest of us!
  7. IT’S IMPORTANT TO WAKE UP EACH MORNING WITH A SMILE… Grace has always been a morning person and now that she is getting older we hear “what’s next?” a lot.  This is tough when we have no plans or she is not excited about “what’s next”.  Yet, unlike her older brother, she always starts the day in a great mood, ready to conquer the Day.
  8. WE ALL WANT FRIENDS WHO LOVE US AS WE ARE AND DO NOT STARE AT US IF WE MAY BE ‘DIFFERENT’… Being my social bug, Grace has made lots of friends over the years.  Bless the ones who have patiently listened to her passing obsessions (over and over again).  We all just want to have people listen to our hearts, don’t we?
  9. WE NEED MORE OF THE ‘OH, WOW SYNDROME’…That is what I call it when Grace is next to me one second, and then missing the next.  What was so fascinating that caused her to say in her head “Oh, wow!” and then take off after it? This was not always logical and yes, we ‘lost’ her temporarily a few times in stores and in our neighborhood.  Now she at least looks back at me like, “Oh, yeah..I’m supposed to check in with you first”.  I need to look around more and find wonderful things that attract my attention.
  10. TO BE CONTENT IN LIFE IS A GREAT THING… There is a stereotype with these wonderful kids with Down Syndrome. The stereotype is that ‘They are always so happy’.  Always happy?  No.  Content?  Yes.  I long to be content with what is going on in my Life, to embrace each day and each person I encounter and to be content.

Grace has been a wonderful gift and is teaching us about living life with a different perspective as we move forward in our journey in life as a family.

“Grace is a pleasant surprise…Grace is a kind gesture.  Grace is something you did not expect.  Yet Grace is something you would never turn down.”  Max Lucado

Have a grace filled day!

Karis Almgren

New on Netflix – Veggietales In The House!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

I am excited to announce that Veggietales are coming to your house!!  Premiering this Thanksgiving November 26, 2015 as a Netflix original series, it’s “Veggietales in the House”.

According to the Netflix web site, “this all-new series and features the same characters you know and love, along with the same faith-based values and teaching you’ve come to expect from VeggieTales. We care about what young people are watching and are excited VeggieTales is launching this new series on Netflix that helps teach meaningful life lessons and makes children smile”.

Check out the trailer below for a quick overview and there is also a link to hear some of the thoughts from the original creators Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer. It is good to see Phil still involved with Veggietales as the brand moves forward.

For those Veggietales fans that may be looking for various Veggietales toys, plush, DVDs, music and more, check out http://www.kidzonearth.com

Here is a link to 4 FREE coloring and activity sheets for the Veggietales fan in your house.

A few word from Mike and Phil regarding the launch of Veggietales in the House.

After you check out the trailer, let us know what you think. Do you like the new look and feel to Veggietales?

“Remember, God made you special and he loves you very much!!” Bob and Larry

Dave Almgren

Faith and Family Films

Stand with Coram Deo Studios

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Brad Silverman and Russ Rice of Coram Deo Studios are launching a new film and they are enlisting support from the Christian community. They are attempting to make the boldest Gospel-centered family film ever.  Take a look at the video below to hear more about this new endeavor from Brad and Russ.

Here is a synopsis of the new movie from Coram Deo Studios.

“This touching & poignant family film traces the story of husband, father & author Scott Dempsey who calls himself a Christian, but his life simply doesn’t reflect it. He can talk the talk – but doesn’t walk the walk. That is until Al Watson (a seventy-five-year-old African American who happens to be the Jackie Robinson of NASCAR) befriends Scott’s young family and lives out a loving, Christ-like example before them. Over time, Al presents Scott with the true, Biblical, regenerating gospel of Jesus Christ… then the real journey begins.” The film will go into production early next year and plan for Summer2015 release.

If you would like to know more about this project and to support the movie with your dollars, click on the link below.

click here to find out more information. 

Produce is Coming To Theaters!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

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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.