Movie Monday: Play the Flute

When Brandon is hired as a youth pastor, he never realizes the challenge before him. His heart is set on leading teens to the Lord, but he is instead faced with an uphill battle that he can’t win, barring the Lord’s intervention.

It’s difficult for Brandon and his wife not to become discouraged as they seek to make an eternal difference in the lives of the teens. When Brandon’s friend from seminary, a fellow youth pastor, remarks that the number of kids in his youth group has grown exponentially, Brandon reminds himself that it’s not about numbers. Not about constant outings. It’s about leading teens to the Lord and helping them grow in their faith.

There are several talking point questions and some cautions throughout the movie, although there is nothing objectionable. I highly recommend you watch this movie with your kids/grandkids.

Talking point questions:

*Why attend a youth group?

*Why is knowing/memorizing Scripture important?

*What is wrong with cheating?

*How should we treat those with disabilities?

*Why is it important to exercise patience with others, especially those who are struggling?

*Why is it important to respect authority?

*Why is lying wrong?

*Why is it important to stand for what is right, even if you stand alone?

*Can you identify with any of the teens in the movie? Why or why not?

Cautions:

*Mention of death of a main character

*Several instances of disrespectful teens to their parents, a boss, and the youth pastor and his wife

*Couple of instances of stealing

*An instance of lying that causes extreme consequences

This movie resonated with me, both as a mother and as one who once attended a youth group that had no real “meat”, but only sought to provide fun outings for its members. While I have fond memories of those days in my youth group watching movies, attending all-night skate parties, and playing dozens of volleyball games, I wish I’d had the privilege of attending a group that put the Gospel above all else and sought to disciple its members. There is nothing wrong with fun activities and socializing, but when its the main (and only!) focus, we’ve missed the real reason: the critical importance of planting seeds that will last for eternity.

Play the Flute is suitable for the entire family, although recommended for tweens and older, as those who are younger will not understand the scope and intention of the movie. It is entertaining, engaging, realistic, and a sad commentary of the apathetic attitude so prevalent in many of today’s youth groups.

I give Play the Flute a five out of five stars. It’s not only a must-see movie for family night, but an excellent movie for any tween, teen, or adult.

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Before you go, check out these other posts:

Movie Monday: Fearless Faith

31 awesome movies for your must-watch list

Mom-Approved Movies Listing

All things Christmas: Favorite Movies of the Season

how to survive in an out-of-control world

10 Bible verses to start off your day

58 fun activities for kids of all ages

training for the Mom Olympics

Movie Monday – Pit Pony

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is Pit Pony (Feature Films for Families):

Once in awhile, you stumble upon a movie that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. I discovered such a movie in Pit Pony (Feature Films for Families).

This touching film shows the dedication of young Willie MacLean, who must work in the dangerous mines so that his poverty-stricken family doesn’t succomb to starvation.  Willie excels in school, but he must leave his education behind to support his family, as he is their only hope. Not only that, but Willie also helps to care for his younger siblings. In the midst of this burden, Willie befriends a pony named Gem, who becomes the ray of hope Willie needs during a particularly difficult time in his life.

This heartwarming movie is one of my all-time favorites and has no objectionable content. However, it is not for the very young due to scary scenes in the mine and the loss of a loved one. It has several wonderful discussion opportunities, including the importance of courage, doing what’s right in the midst of hardship, family loyalty, family unity, responsibility, and treating others with mercy and grace when they least deserve it.

I would highly recommend this movie!

For an archived list of movie reviews, go to my newly created Archived Movie Reviews page. This page will be updated regularly to show all movies included in Movie Monday.

For a listing of all mom-approved movies, go here.

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 – The Perfect Game

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is The Perfect Game (Feature Films for Families)...

One of my favorite things about The Perfect Game was that, because it is based on true story, original black- and-white footage is shown throughout the movie.  The story opens with a man named Cesar who has lost his job with a baseball team and has returned to his home in Mexico as a laborer.  His life has taken a turn for the worse and he survives day-to-day with his heart heavy with failure.

Enter into the story several young poverty-stricken Mexican boys who, under the care of a Catholic Priest, dream of becoming “real” baseball players. They listen to their favorite teams on the radio and practice in the streets with humble baseball equipment. What happens when Cesar and the boys’ paths cross?

This movie is a hidden gem among movies. There hasn’t been much publicity about it, and to me, that’s a shame. It is perfect family-night fare and includes valuable discussion lessons. For instance, is it all right to look down upon someone because of the color of their skin? The Bible tells us we are all made in His image. Other great discussion questions include: is it all right to lie to others about your past because of your shame? Is it ever all right to drown your sorrows in alcohol? Even if two people have their eye on playing the position of pitcher, can that be overcome to avoid tension in a friendship? What can happen when people reach out in love and help those in need? Just how powerful is the power of prayer?

Will the underdogs in this film make it all the way to the Little League World Championship? You won’t want to miss this movie to find out the answer to that very question!

For an archived list of movie reviews, go to my newly created Archived Movie Reviews page.

For a listing of all mom-approved movies, go here.

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 – The Inheritance – 04/23/12

This week’s family movie suggestion is The Inheritance…

I have to admit that this is one of my all-time favorite movies. (And sorry dads and husbands, this one is more of a chick-flick!)

During this movie, we are taken back to the 1870s where Edith is a companion to the wealthy young lady Amy Hamilton. While not one of the family, the Hamiltons have always treated Edith with respect and have provided for her since the day they found her as an orphaned infant. Mr. Hamilton, especially, treats Edith as a daughter.

However, Edith realizes that she is not on the same level socially and economically as the Hamiltons. This is even more clearly proven when the rude, brash, and devious Ida (Amy’s cousin) comes for a visit in search of a husband. Ida has every intention of reminding Edith of her social status to the point of wrongful accusations and lying because of her own jealousy. It was interesting (and sad) to watch how different it was in the late 1800s and how people were forbidden to cross social and economic lines.

When Ida realizes that the handsome James Percy is drawn to Edith, things take a turn for the worst. Will Edith lose her home with the Hamiltons? Will she ever be able to make clear the love she has for James Percy, even though they are on different social levels?

Yes, this is a classic love story, and a well-acted one at that. It contains nothing objectionable.* The romance is wholesome and there is no foul language. In addition, there are some great discussion points including not judging others, loyalty, kindness, sacrifice, jealousy, and greed.

This movie is a perfect movie to watch with daughters, sisters, or for a girls’ night. I highly recommend it!

*The version of this movie for this review is from the Feature Films for Families version.

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 – Saving Winston – 3/5/12

This week’s family movie suggestion is Saving Winston…

Ashley is a troubled teen who is sent to live with her Aunt Diane after being released from treatment. Ashley adamantly pushes her aunt out of her life. When she discovers a neglected horse, Ashley seeks Diane’s assistance in helping the horse (whom she names Winston) to recover. In doing so, Ashley sees that there is more to life than her own problems. She also sees for the first time that Winston isn’t the only one who is broken.

One of my favorite parts about this movie is the example Ashley’s Aunt Diane sets for her. Diane is a strong Christian who, while not perfect, seeks to live her life for Christ. Diane never preaches at Ashley, but instead shows her what it means to be a Christ follower through her own actions. Diane’s patience, kindness, and compassion do not go unnoticed by Ashley. We also see at the beginning of the movie that Diane is praying for Ashley. It’s a fair assumption that Diane continues to pray for her young niece throughout the entire movie and never gives up on Ashley, even though Ashley stumbles and, at times, yields to temptation.

There are some great discussion points in this movie. Ashley struggles with drug abuse. While on probation, she is instructed to have no contact with her boyfriend. Yet, she makes the mistake of disobeying that order. It is a good example of why the choices we make are so important. They not only affect us, but also affect others. While there is some deep subject matter, I found this movie to be appropriate for those ages nine and up.

Saving Winston is slow at times, but the end result is worth it. This movie has heart and shows how, no matter how broken we are, Jesus still loves us and yearns for us to find salvation and peace through Him.

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 – The Perfect Game – 10-31-11

 

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is The Perfect Game (Feature Films for Families)...

One of my favorite things about The Perfect Game was that, because it is based on true story, original black- and-white footage is shown throughout the movie.  The story opens with a man named Cesar who has lost his job with a baseball team and has returned to his home in Mexico as a laborer.  His life has taken a turn for the worse and he survives day-to-day with his heart heavy with failure.

Enter into the story several young poverty-stricken Mexican boys who, under the care of a Catholic Priest, dream of becoming “real” baseball players. They listen to their favorite teams on the radio and practice in the streets with humble baseball equipment. What happens when Cesar and the boys’ paths cross?

This movie is a hidden gem among movies. There hasn’t been much publicity about it, and to me, that’s a shame. It is perfect family-night fare and includes valuable discussion lessons. For instance, is it all right to look down upon someone because of the color of their skin? The Bible tells us we are all made in His image. Other great discussion questions include: is it all right to lie to others about your past because of your shame? Is it ever all right to drown your sorrows in alcohol? Even if two people have their eye on playing the position of pitcher, can that be overcome to avoid tension in a friendship? What can happen when people reach out in love and help those in need? Just how powerful is the power of prayer?

Will the underdogs in this film make it all the way to the Little League World Championship? You won’t want to miss this movie to find out the answer to that very question!