Movie Monday: Where Love Found Me

If you only watch a few movies this year, this should be one of them!

A touching story inspired by true events, “Where Love Found Me” takes the viewer into the realities of children living on the streets. When documentary director, Hudson, sets out to make a movie about street children in China, his plans take a different route when he discovers the lives these children live and the dismal futures they face. The truth tugs at his heart, and he seeks to make a change. But will the process threaten his life and the lives of those he seeks to protect?

Faith, drama, and humor highlight this movie that will bring tears to your eyes, as well as prod you to make a difference in the world for the millions of children worldwide who dream of a forever home through adoption. This is definitely a family movie, and you will find yourself rooting for Hudson, Rubelyn, and the other street children. However, due to the nature of the film, this movie is for teens and up.

The parallel between a man who gives his life for the children and our Savior Jesus Christ is profound in this movie, and reminds us that we are here but for a short time. In that short time, what can we do to make an eternal difference in the lives of others?

My recommendation? Don’t just rent or stream this movie. It’s one to buy for the keeper shelf! I give it a hearty five starts out of five.

More information can be found at the “Where Love Found Me” website.

The trailer for this movie can be found on the website and also at

 

 

9 movie series sure to be a hit for your next family night

I’ve made it my mission to find movies that are suitable for families. In our culture of so many movies that aren’t suitable, it’s especially fun to discover ones that are clean and well-made.

So, pop up some popcorn and check out these movie series (in particular order) sure to be a hit on your next family night! (Click on the title to find out more information. Note: I am not affiliated in any way with either CBD or Amazon, but those are two of the places I did find availability for these movies).

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Our family has become addicted to this wonderful show that has a combination of romance, drama, comedy, and even some action! Four postal employees solve mysteries based on letters in the “dead mail” office. The employees, Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman will soon have you rooting for them as they solve mysteries and provide happy endings.

Father Murphy

If you loved Little House on the Prairie, you’ll love Father Murphy. Set in the same era, actor Merlin Olsen and Katherine Cannon team up with Moses Gunn to provide a home for orphans. There’s always a nemesis, and in Father Murphy, there are two: Miss Tuttle and Mr. Rodman. Together, they provide underhanded efforts to take the children from the orphanage to their work house. Faith, adventure, romance, and good lessons round out this wholesome pick that family members of all ages will enjoy.

Sue Thomas, F.B. Eye

Sue Thomas is a deaf woman who can read lips and speak. She’s lived a sheltered life for the most part, so when she’s accepted for a job with the F.B.I. hours from her hometown, she knows she’s embarking on an adventure.

Based on a true story, this series is one of the best I have ever seen and is on my top-ten favorites list of all time.  Sue Thomas F.B. Eye  has everything that makes a movie good – a touch of romance, drama, humor, action, and adventure. What’s more, the writers and producers managed to pull off this feat without the use of the distasteful Hollywood variety of violence, crass humor, foul language, and sexuality.

Sue Thomas F.B. Eye is a wholesome show, but it’s far from dull.

Anne of Green Gables

I promise you this series will soon become a favorite! This is the original Anne of Green Gables series that was produced by Sullivan Entertainment in 2002 and includes the following: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Green Gables the Sequel, and Anne of Green Gables, the Continuing Story. Viewers watch as Anne Shirley first goes to live on Prince Edward Island with a charming elderly brother and sister. She gets into mischief, falls in love, becomes an adult, and does her part in the War in this endearing series. (Note: this is not the most recent version of Anne of Green Gables, but the one, as mentioned above, that was produced in 2002. I personally do not advocate the most recent version).

Doc

This series, peppered with faith, humor, and touching stories, stars Billy Ray Cyrus as a doctor who travels from his practice in small town Montana to New York. Taking a job in the big city, however, is no easy task for the cowboy who sees the good in people and always makes time for those in need of help.  A small town girl myself, I can only imagine how a move might make a huge impact on someone unaccustomed to city life. 🙂

Viewers find themselves growing attached to the characters, who seem to come to life as they wrestle with everyday problems. Great lessons abound, including discussion of topics such as humility, greed, selfishness, putting others first, and the importance of faith no matter what our chosen profession.

It is great for the entire family and contains nothing objectionable.

Love Comes Softly

My first-ever Christian romance novels given me as a gift were from my grandma. Yep, they were Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly. Fast forward many years later to a movie series based on the books. While some are better than others, this collection is a win-win for those who love a good series with faith, romance, and endearing stories.

When Calls the Heart

A newer series, this drama set in the early 1900s in Canada is sure to draw fans who enjoy drama and romance with a dash of comedy. My absolute favorites are Lee and Rosemary, who provide comedic relief as well-developed characters. This series is also based on Janette Oke’s book series by the same name. While the movies may not be quite historically accurate in every sense, this series an enjoyable watch and wholesome and clean as well.

Little House on the Prairie

All right, show of hands…how many grew up watching Little House on the Prairie, whether the first time it showed or after it had been released on VHS or DVD for some time? Growing up, we watched re-runs on Channel 12 at our house. And yes, I did have a crush on Almanzo. 😉 This series is perfect for those cold winter evenings when the family wants to escape into simpler times.

The Beverly Hillbillies

I had never seen this iconic movie that aired in 1962, many years before I was born. Corny and farfetched at times, this is the perfect antidote to take a break from the serious issues that plague our world today. My youngest daughter had even perfected the voice of Granny as she said her memorable, “Elly Mae!” Toss aside the amazing graphics of today’s movies and settle into a goofy series from yesteryear.

What is your favorite series of all time?

 

Movie Monday – Flipper – 3/19/12

Today’s movie suggestion is Flipper (original 1963 movie with Chuck Connors and Luke Halpin)…

Take a trip back to 1963 when the original movie Flipper was released. (This movie was ancient by the time I watched it as a child during  TV movie night specials!)  The movie begins with a hurricane threatening the small town where 12-year-old Sandy and his family live. (This scene may be frightening to young children). Later, Sandy finds a dolphin injured in the hurricane, whom he rescues.

Since Sandy’s father is out of town having repairs done on his fishing boat, Sandy doesn’t think twice about placing the injured dolphin, whom he names Flipper, in the fish pen near their home.  Sandy and Flipper bond immediately – so much so that Sandy neglects his chores, and instead spends all of his spare time finding food for Flipper. Sandy learns a hard lesson about obedience and priorities when his father returns.

We borrowed an old VHS copy of  this movie from our church library and my children were excited to watch it. After all, they love dolphins and had enjoyed watching Dolphin Tale. This is a delightful movie about strong family bonds, friendship, and courage. I love how the townsfolk assist each other in times of crisis. It’s obvious no one in the town is well-to-do, yet they join together and give a new meaning to loving your neighbor as yourself.  A charming classic, I recommend this movie for families with children of all ages.

For a listing of movie suggestions, followed by archived movie reviews, please see https://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

Movie Monday – Facing the Giants – 1/16/12

This week’s Movie Monday choice is Facing the Giants.

We watched Facing the Giants when it was first released and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it, so we watched it again just this past weekend for Family Night.  It has a little something for everyone – football for the sports fan in your family, touching drama,  humor, and most importantly, a strong message. It shows dependence on God and the importance of standing together in marriage, even when the world around you is falling apart.

Coach Grant Taylor is going through some trials in his life. The school for which he is a coach wants to let him go because his football team fails to chalk up any wins.  His car barely runs and there are some maintenance problems in his home.  There’s the possible betrayal of a close friend. Even more heartbreaking is the fact that he and his wife are facing infertility problems.  It’s during this difficult time in his life that Grant realizes how much he depends on the Lord.  Grant spends time in prayer and in the Word, and gives the entire situation to God.  God, in turn, uses the situation to change more than just Grant’s life.

Several minor characters in this film deliver a strong impact. One is a school employee who walks by each locker daily and prays each student. Another character, a football player’s father, is a Godly role model for his son and for those watching the film. A couple of football players have a change of heart in the movie and one makes a decision that impacts his life for eternity.

On the cover of the DVD, the words at the bottom state: “Never Give Up; Never Back Down; Never Lose Faith.” This movie delivers a touching and realistic look into the lives of a man struggling with the difficulties in life.  It’s a winner in more ways than one and I highly recommend it for your next family night.

For more movie suggestions, check out my extensive  movie listing at https://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/mom-approved-movies-for-families/

Movie Monday – Beautiful Dreamer – 10-10-11

This week’s Movie Monday choice is Beautiful Dreamer (Feature Films for Families):

Have you ever just felt like watching a heartwarming and endearing love story? That’s what Beautiful Dreamer is…it’s a touching story of how love can overcome a multitude of obstacles.

Claire’s husband Joe is involved in a plane crash during WWII. Claire is told he is dead and she mourns for who is truly her love of a lifetime (they have known each other since childhood and shared a special bond). She tries to get on with her life, but finds it difficult to forget the man who played such an important role of her life.

A couple years later, Claire is informed that Joe did survive the horrific crash and she goes in search of him. However, when she finds him in another town, she discovers he doesn’t remember her, or any of his life before the crash, for that matter. Does she give up and return home? Or does she pursue him, with the hopes that someday he will remember her and the life they had? Claire chooses the latter.

There are so many things I loved about this movie…first of all, Joe and his flight crew always recite Psalm 91 before flying into battle. It’s clear that faith is an integral part of both Claire and Joe’s lives. Secondly, I love Claire and Joe’s marriage relationship. Thirdly, I loved Claire’s patience, loyalty, and dedication to “bringing her husband back.” She never gives up, although she falters several times.  Lastly, I love how the producers dedicated this movie to a group of soldiers who fought during WWII and give names of those soldiers at the end of the film. May we never forget all of those who have fought and fight daily to protect our freedoms.

This Feature Films for Families tearjerker contains nothing objectionable and is suitable for ages 12 and older due to some scary war sequences and some frightening moments due to Joe’s lack of memory. I would highly recommend it – especially for that special date night with your spouse!