"Ring the Bell" (movie review)

"Disclosure of Material Connection: We received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in hope that we would mention it on this blog. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

DVD $19.99

About Ring the Bell:     Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.
 

This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production.

Review:  “Ring the Bell” is a good family movie.  It has a good storyline and is awesome in its clear presentation of the gospel.  While I enjoyed the movie, I did feel that it was a bit slow at times – not a whole lot of action.  The story centers around Rod Decker, the owner of a sports agency, who wants to sign a high school baseball player from the small town of Middletown to a pro baseball contract.  Upon arrival in Middletown, Rod discovers that the people there have a very different life from his city life and they seem far more content than he ever has.  He encounters a brother and sister team who have opened their home to troubled youth.  On the farm, there is a dinner bell that only gets chimed when a person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Rod sees something in these people that he knows he doesn’t have and wonders is it real. 

While there is not a lot of “action” in this movie, I really enjoyed “Ring the Bell” and can easily recommend it.  It is a family-friendly movie with absolutely no inappropriate language or situations.  So very refreshing to be able to sit down and watch with your family and children a movie that is clean. (rev. P.Howard)

"The Little House That Stood" (VeggieTales DVD)

About The Little House That Stood  - When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation - following the wise plans from the Master Builder's Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses - and their lives - on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God's blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

Review:  This video, Veggie Tales, Building On A Firm Foundation, has lots of fun music and humor that references the nursery rhymes that all kids are familar with.  Kids and adults will find themselves laughing and singing along while being taught the basic christian principal of building our faith on a firm foundation.  Kids are saying:  

"The three pigs are so funny." 
"I like the town of Cabbageville."  
"I like to sing the silly songs."

 Watch the cute trailer

Link: VeggieTales - Little House  

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that we would mention it on this blog. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. This is being disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Adverising."

"Abel's Fields" by AFFIRM Films/Provident Films (Video review)

Review:  This is the story of high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) who is left without parents (his mother died of illness and his father has abandoned the family), and the pressures and responsibilities of caring for his two younger twin sisters, trying to finish high school while holding down three jobs, and all the while dealing with constant bullying from members of the football team and a football coach who is not much better. 

Seth begins to drown in despair when he is challenged by Abel (Kevin Sorbo)  to rethink the direction he is heading.  Abel has taken on the responsibility of football groundskeeper, and Seth has been assigned to work with him as punishment for fighting, better described as defending himself. Abel seems to be the one person who is able to help Seth reassess his life before making a tragic choice and redirect him toward "the light."

If I were using the 5 star rating system, I would give this film 2 stars.  The acting is in general mediocre, the story line is difficult to follow, and I would have a hard time recommending it for family viewing simply because of a secondary character who is suggestive in dress and actions. 

In addition, when Seth is seeking faith, the viewer is left wondering where truth faith is found. I felt the film was "left wanting."  (rev. J. La Tour)

For More about Abel's Field:

Website: http://www.abelsfield.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelsField

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelsField

About Abel's Field

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Abel's Field was provided by Fly By Promotions on behalf of the producers for our honest review without obligation for a positive review.

"Les Misérables" – Audio Drama Victor Hugo’s Masterpiece - a production of Focus on the Family

ISBN:  978-1-58997-394-7
$14.97 - 3 CDs in case

This retelling of Victor Hugo’s classic, Les Miserables, is a must hear CD series!

This beautiful story follows the main character Jean Valjean and his life’s journey of injustice, forgiveness, compassion, and love. This listener was captivated with the beauty of the story and found myself transported in time to the period surrounding the French Revolt, and the life circumstances surrounding Hugo’s character, Jean Valjean. 

The production is of the highest quality and rivals any medium in the telling of this story. I give my highest recommendation for the hearing of this beautiful classic produced by Focus on the Family. (rev. J. La Tour)

About  the audio recording: The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre audio recording of  "Les Misérables" was provided in order that we might provide an honest review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer and there was no obligation to render a positive review.