Reviews

Set against the historical and opulent backdrop of Oxford University, 'Surprised by Oxford' delves into the intricacies of the human soul-its yearnings for connection, love, and faith. Based on a true story, Caro Drake's pursuit for intellectual achievement transforms into a poignant exploration of the heart and mind.

I enjoyed every second of this film, from the gorgeous settings to the brilliantly displayed journey of faith. It displays a cinematic yet realistic view of the struggles of the mind and heart as they lean into the complexities of faith.

With an excellent balance of push and pull, strength and vulnerability, restraint and release, Caro's story stole my heart. She is such a unique character. The dynamics of her friendships, especially with Kent, and the way they evolve despite differences in beliefs moves me.

This film offers my first introduction to Rose Reid, who portrays Caro, and Ruairi O'Conner (Kent.) Both actors give remarkable performances and exude genuineness and believability. For that matter, the entire cast are exceptionally talented.

I appreciate the incorporation of spiritual elements through the works of literary scholars, such as C. S. Lewis. This integration of academia and spirituality builds wisdom, faith, love, and acceptance into a path of self-discovery.

I highly recommend this smart, witty, heartwarming, and soul-satisfying film. I loved it.

"The strength you speak of... perhaps you're looking for it in the wrong place." - Favorite quote from the film.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

A daughter kidnapped. A hidden past revealed. A seemingly futile chance at rescue. Now, Rev. Jeremiah Jacobs and his wife Martha must overcome the lies of the past to find their Hope for the future.

"Birthright Outlaw" is a Christian Western transformation story that showcases the power of forgiveness and burying the past to rise anew.

It's effortless to connect with Reverend Jeremiah, Martha, and Hope. And a few of the secondary characters, such as Sheriff Beauchamp and Diamond, touched me just as deeply. I became invested in each of them and loved discovering what circumstances made them who they were. (And Jeff Fahey, as William "King of Hearts" Bridges, gives a compelling and believable performance!)

The film takes place in 1890 Last Chance, Arizona Territory, where life is peaceful and sweet. That is until The House Gang, known for sweeping the West with crime and chaos, kidnaps the daughter of the town Reverend. Secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and hope is threatened.

This film is a well-crafted Christian Western that combines suspense, action, drama, and faith. With relatable characters, a compelling plot, and a meaningful message, it is sure to leave your heart full and your soul sated.

Many thanks to Great American Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% mine.

#BirthrightOutlawMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork.

"God. Family. Football." is a heartwarming and motivating docuseries that focuses on the journey of the Evangel football team and their head coach, Denny Duron. This series emphasizes the values of faith, family, and teamwork as central pillars in the lives of both the players and the coaching staff of the Louisiana high school team.

The backdrop of Evangel's challenging 2020 season, where they faced a difficult record of 0-9, sets the stage for a powerful story of redemption and determination. The fact that Coach Duron returned to lead the team of mostly eighth and ninth graders and guide them towards a state title emphasizes his commitment to instilling a strong sense of belief and resilience in the young players.

The personal backstories and struggles faced by the players and their mentors adds depth to the series, showcasing the fire inside them that gives them the strength to overcome. I loved witnessing their growth, love for God, and incredible team spirit. They radiate with character and stir the heart with their stories of perseverance and conviction.

This show goes beyond the realm of sports. It delves deeper into the realm of character, endurance, and conviction, growing its appeal to a wider audience-even those who might not typically be invested in football or sports-related content.

This feel-good story of triumph over adversity is inspiring, exciting, and emotional. If you believe in putting God first, even if you're not a football enthusiast, you'll root for these incredible boys, their school, their families, and their faith. You might even be inspired to move mountains.

Many thanks to Amazon Freevee for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#GodFamilyFootballMIN #GodFamilyFootballFV @AmazonFreevee #FreeveePartner.

I've always loved the television shows of my youth in which angels aid, guide, and comfort us, such as in Touched by an Angel and Highway to Heaven. After all, the Bible reveals that we are often unaware of entertaining angels, so even though the premise of these shows is supernatural, it's still realistic.

SAVED BY GRACE hits where it counts-the heart. This is undoubtedly my favorite feel-good series on Pure Flix! And you can watch it with the entire family without worrying about content, language, or warnings.

The atmosphere of this first season is steeped in so many emotions, including a touch of wit:

Jack from episode 1: "What are you, some hippy therapist that's trying to save the world?" Grace: "Close. I'm an angel."

Each episode showcases a particular person in need of heaven's intervention, and it's so satisfying to watch the angels succeed at their missions. I became more invested as I watched Grace and Jeremiah intercede on behalf of the prayers of these troubled hearts, and I enjoyed becoming more and more familiar with Grace, Jeremiah, and the charming Oklahoma small town setting. It's fun to see a few recurring characters as well.

I'm sure you and your family will be blessed by this feel-good, clean, inspiring, heart-touching series!

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

STRONG FATHERS, STRONG DAUGHTERS is such a fun, inspiring, and meaningful film. Based on the New York Times bestselling book, by Dr. Meg Meeker, the film focuses on a wealthy businessman, Steve Parston, and his three daughters. Steve has dreamed of building a strong business with his eldest daughter since she was a child, so when the perfect opportunity arises, he expects things to fall right into place. The problem is, his daughter, now a grown woman has other dreams, other plans.

This is such a fun film, and the Parston family is easy to relate to, with a workaholic dad, supportive mom, and three unique daughters who each have different needs and dreams. There are many poignant scenes between this father and his daughters as he tries desperately to hold some assemblance of control over their lives.

I love the blend of angst, fear, adventure, trust, control, passion, and love this film encompasses. And although it provides plenty of laughs, it also reaches deep into viewers hearts, touching spiritual and meaningful places. It showcases the importance our earthly father and our Heavenly Father carries in our lives.

I loved this film. The story is so touching that something as simple as a solitary balloon at the end brought tears to my eyes. It carries gentle yet powerful messages of hope, love, and letting go.

Letting go and letting God...

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#StrongFathersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork.

Season 1, Episode 6:

I'm new to the Going Home series, having only viewed episode 6 so far, but I'm so moved and inspired I plan to go back and watch from the beginning. What a beautiful premise for a Christian based show-to help people transition who are soon to pass away, as well as the family and friends left behind.

Charley Copeland, played by Cynthia Geary, is a hospice nurse who is faithful and obedient to her calling-helping families during these difficult times. She is gentle, kind, empathic, and easy to connect with. Exactly what I'd hope for in such a sensitive calling. I also want to give special kudos to Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who plays young hospice nurse Janey Richards. Her character offers a special ray of light, zest, and compassion to this show! No matter what these kindhearted nurses are going through on a personal level, they wear smiles on their faces to comforts weary hearts.

In this episode, Charley and her fellow colleagues assist Charley's childhood friend, Katherine, as she battles her last days with cancer. Charley is having an especially difficult time because she loves her friend, but still does what she can to help Katherine's husband and children cope through faith, prayer, and companionship.

Though parts of the episode are certainly sad, ironic humor offers a bit of levity. Also, the emphasis on positivity, such as forgiveness, faith, courage, and acceptance is heartening.

This emotional yet uplifting show is a must see. It brought my loved ones who have passed to mind as well as helped me face those I may lose in the future. Something Charley said in the trailer really stood out to me: "Death isn't the opposite of life...it's a part of life."

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Watching The Homeschool Awakening made me wish I had at least tried to homeschool my children when they were young, and it inspired, encouraged, and motivated me more than I expected, since my kids are well past their school years.

It is easy to relate to the parents at the beginning of the film who felt kind of weird about homeschooled kids-thinking they probably weren't socialized, their parents weren't adequately equipped, etc. But when Kirk Cameron said that he is responsible for what is put into his children's heads and hearts it really impacted me.

My children are now grown with children of their own, and this film has inspired me to create learning opportunities with my grandchildren. I love the thought of filling their head and hearts with what I feel is important. There are so many opportunities to teach our children (and grandchildren) other than in a school setting. I'm so inspired and motivated that I want to go pick up my young grandson and take him to the park, grocery store, river, etc. And teach and learn new things together with him.

In this film, Kirk Cameron chronicles what it takes to embody adventure, freedom, thinking outside the box, finding the 'type' of smart our kids are, discovering their learning strengths, embracing relaxed learning, and having fun. He also confirms that homeschooling is doable.

I truly feel smarter for watching this film. That's quite a statement, I know, but it illuminates so much about educating and equipping our children and discovering what will help them thrive. What a privilege it is to be a monumental influence and guide for our children's wisdom, character, knowledge, hope, and faith in the ways of God.

Train up a child in the way they should go...

Many thanks to TBN & CamFam Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

CHURCH PEOPLE is a fun, entertaining, and evocative film! I love a good clean movie with a hefty dose of humor that also conveys a powerful message. This is a wholesome movie for the entire family.

Every actor in this film puts on a wonderful performance. I really enjoyed the cheesy humor that Joey Fatone (NSYNC) brought to the film. He's entertaining in an annoyingly weird way. Actually, each character is cheesy and fun, providing an ample number of good-natured eye-rolls and giggles. Chad (Steven Baldwin) is mysterious, comical, and charmingly strange. And Carla (Erin Cahill) exudes such a wonderful attitude. Her many facial expressions kept a smile on my face.

This film is full of humor, but it's done in a tasteful way, still bringing the powerful message of salvation, sacrifice, and renewing our passion for Christ.

We could all use a good laugh right now, and Church People is a movie your whole family can enjoy!

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#ChurchPeopleDVDMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork.

THE TIGER RISING is an entertaining, magical, heart-breaking film. Middle schooler Rob Horton is an introverted boy who tamps down the pain of his mother's recent death. Alongside this grief, he falls victim to school bullying due to a skin disease and that he lives in a motel.

I connected with Rob very quickly and empathized with his loss. His loneliness is palpable, even though he disguises it with his quiet and polite nature. Initially, he deals with his grief as best he can, by employing his vivid imagination while he whittles wood figures-a craft his mother taught him. But it's when he discovers a caged tiger in the woods owned by the dark and offensive motel owner, that he truly begins to unearth his buried feelings.

Soon Rob meets Sistine Bailey, a new girl in town, who is immersed in her own bout of anguish. Though they have opposing ways of dealing with their pain (Rob is timid and sad, Sistine is sassy and aggressive) they bond over their love of art and their secret of the caged animal.

This isn't a swift-moving film, but I feel the measured pacing helps display Rob's loneliness. I was distracted by Rob's magical imagination, but I think this aspect of the film might appeal to younger viewers. The film holds a particularly surprising and intense scene (no spoilers here) that might be difficult for sensitive younger viewers.

The theme of this movie is releasing caged emotions, and the brightest lights are Christian Convery (Rob) and Queen Latifah (Willie May). Their characterizations, impassioned expressions, and believability outshine the rest.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a screening from The Avenue & Highland Film Group for this review.

Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#TigerRisingFilmMIN #TigerRisingFilm #MomentumInfluencerNetwork.

I just viewed a screening of the Redeeming Love movie. What a powerful and touching story!

Many years ago, I read the book of the same title, written by Francine Rivers. I still remember the impact it made on me, becoming one of my favorite books of all time. When I heard a film based on the book was being made, I wondered if it could possibly capture the heart of the story as effectively. But when I discovered Francine Rivers was involved in the movie adaptation, I was confident the Christian theme wouldn't be lost.

Now, I must state, this isn't a typical Christian movie. It includes prostitution, sex slavery, child abuse, etc. It doesn't gloss over the ugliness of these worldly evils, but it doesn't glamorize them either. The film delivers a beautiful story of redemption, despite the ugliness.

This story takes place during the mid 1800s gold rush. It focuses on Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child. It shows how relentless, unconditional, all-consuming love of both a persistent man (Michael Hosea) and God, restores her heart.

Redeeming Love, inspired by a minor character in the book of Hosea in the Bible, shows the redemptive power of love, faith, acceptance, and forgiveness.

#RedeemingLoveMovieMIN #RedeemingLoveMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #RLGirlsNightOutGiveaway

Many thanks to Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Oh, how I love a wholesome family movie with a bold and meaningful message! The Kendrick Brothers have produced another influential and uplifting film!

COURAGEOUS Legacy tells the story of several police officers and the importance of their roles in their children's lives. Watching their lives unfold and the progression of their faith and responsibilities put me through a rollercoaster of emotions. There are light and comedic moments sprinkled throughout the film that provide a valuable balance to the numerous heart-pounding, heart-breaking, and heart-searing scenes.

The acting is great, and I easily connected to the main characters. They are each flawed with their own unique shortcomings. Alex Kendrick (playing Adam Mitchell) plays a key role in displaying the internal and external obstacles of fatherhood, as well as the importance of genuine faith and obedience. I especially sympathized with him and loved his example of strength, yet each of the men's stories are instrumental.

The police chases and action scenes are intense and realistic without being foul or vulgar. The more personal scenes are thought-provoking, tender, and sweet without being cheesy or insincere. And the message is clear, firm, and biblical without being smug or preachy. Overall, this film is exciting, significant, and full of heart.

I highly recommend COURAGEOUS Legacy. It's so good! It surprised and satisfied me. (I loved the ending!)

Fathers and fathers-to-be: I expect you will learn something new about your role as a father and the importance you play in God's plan.

Daughters and sons: I expect you'll gain a weightier appreciation for your father, or the man who played a guiding light in your life.

All who watch: I expect you will draw nearer to your Heavenly Father.

Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Season One of VINDICATION has me glued to each episode. Why? Because the emotional aspect is surprising and impactful. I love its moral foundation, realistic police investigations, and attention to societal issues, ideals, and needs. Though the show deals with seedy, cruel, and corrupt matters, they are conveyed in a tasteful way - resisting the shocking, gross, filthy, or repulsive trends and tactics mainstream crime shows often fall into.

The wow-factor of this unique faith-based drama series is its emotional, ethical messages. And it accomplishes this without being cheesy or preachy. I find it easy to connect with Detective Travis, his family, fellow officers, and even those involved in his investigations, making each episode stimulating and credible. I've really enjoyed watching Season 1 and witnessing the many examples of growth, insight, transformation, and redemption. I can't wait to watch Season 2!

Thank you to Pureflix, for my complimentary subscription.

#VindicationMIN.

Oh my. I'm feeling all the feels. I laughed, sighed, gasped, and cried (a lot) during the last hour and forty-seven minutes. When We Last Spoke overflows with love, family, friends, and the sweet spirit of forgiveness.

I enjoyed every single character in this meaningful film. The unconventional family dynamic of Walt (Popo) Ruby (Mamaw) Juliet (Rabbit) and Evangeline (Squirrel) warmed my heart.

It was fun being transported back to the music and atmosphere of the late 60s, and the southern culture and the stability of the North Star gave this story added depth and charm. I loved the actors, the acting, the humor, and the touching moments. I loved Cloris Leachman's humorous and tender moments, Corbin Bernsen as an older, gentle soul, and Melissa Gilbert as the endearing family matriarch. But I especially enjoyed Darby Camp and Chandler Head (the young girls.) They are remarkable and lovable little actors!

This sweet, nostalgic film will make you yearn to hug, call, or drive home to your loved ones.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Last Spoke Partners for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Colors of Character is a story of obedience, faith, and redemption. This documentary style film displays the life of Steve Skipper and his transformation from a violent street gang member to a prolific sports artist. Untrained as an artist, his gift of painting is purely God given.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home in Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement, Skipper traveled down a dark, dangerous path, joining a gang, selling drugs, and living a life of addiction and darkness. But upon meeting an evangelizing lifeguard named Big Mike, a yearning for a different life was awakened, and his journey took a sudden turn.

This is an amazing, awe-inspiring, redeeming example of how God's love can change the trajectory of someone's life. Using Skipper's talents, God provided an escape from the darkness, and Skipper's obedience afforded him a powerful, beautiful, and successful life's journey. Despite his many struggles, even after becoming a Christian, he is now a world renown painter of sports players and Civil Rights heroes.

This film brings to mind two Scripture passages:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11: 28-29

In all thy ways acknowledge him and, he shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:6

This documentary is a wonderful illustration of how God's grace and our faith and obedience can become an extraordinary, colorful life of character.

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Dolphin Island is an emotional, inspiring, feel-good movie! It demonstrates the significance of communal friendships and familial bonds. I enjoyed the themes of good vs evil and the power of love, and how it offers a true bonding experience.

This is such a positive and satisfying film. I quickly connected to Jonah Coleridge and his teen granddaughter, Annabel. Their relationship is exceptionally sweet, and though their Dolphin Island houseboat is an unconventional home, it is filled with tenderness, acceptance, and love. The island neighbors are fun and diverse, and Annabel's best friend, a lovable dolphin named Mitzi, might be the dearest Island member of all.

There are so many great characters/actors in this movie. My favorites are:

Jonah Coleridge, played by Peter Woodward (THE PATRIOT) Annabel Coleridge, played by Tyler Jade Nixon (DOLPHIN KICK) Mateo, Annabel's sly, lovable friend, played by Aaron Burrows Mr. Carbunkle, the easy-to-dislike lawyer played by Bob Bledsoe (PARKS AND RECREATION)

I enjoyed every aspect of this tale. It made me giggle, cry, grimace, and sigh, but ultimately left me beaming. Dolphin Island a clean, meaningful, and soul-stirring film suitable for the entire family.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.