Movie Monday – The Woodcarver – 9/24/12

This week’s Movie Monday suggestion is The Woodcarver.

A couple on the brink of a bitter divorce…

A teenage boy seeking attention, and in the process committing crimes to get that attention…

A lonely widower wondering if he still has a purpose in life after the loss of his beloved wife…

Four people are brought together in this touching and well done film that has been said to resemble the movie The Last Bricklayer. Matthew feels tossed between his parents as they continue with their plans for a divorce. His dad is a workaholic who seems to have little time for his family. His mom, in her anger and frustration, isn’t emotionally available to her son. The only time Matthew sees his parents together is when they’re fighting – many times about him. As an act of seeking attention, Matthew vandalizes the church. After all, isn’t it God’s fault that his parents are seeking a divorce? Isn’t it God’s fault that Matthew feels unloved?

Woodcarver Ernest Otto’s wife recently died of cancer. He struggles with overcoming her death and the life they once shared. Deep in his grief, he finds it difficult to continue without the woman with whom he shared so many years of his life. It doesn’t help that the ornate woodcarving he did for the church many years ago has been destroyed by vandalism.

Before long, Matthew’s and Ernest’s lives intersect. Together, they set out to repair the damage done by Matthew, and Ernest provides the fatherly role model for Matthew that he has long yearned for. In the process, Ernest teaches Matthew something very important. What if, in every dealing that we have with others, we ask ourselves the question, “What would Jesus do?” This simple, yet profound question changes Matthew’s outlook and perspective.

What happens when Matthew’s dad discovers Matthew has been spending time with the elderly woodcarver? What happens when a fire destroys the hard work Matthew and Ernest have accomplished? Is it possible that God has plans for us even when we think our lives are lacking purpose? Is forgiveness possible, even in difficult situations?

This is a great family film that approaches the topic of treating others as Jesus would treat them and becoming more and more Christlike in our everyday dealings with others.  It also focuses on forgiveness, grace, and the importance of marriage. I have seen The Last Bricklayer, and I enjoyed that movie very much – and yes, this movie is similar. However, The Woodcarver adds elements of faith-based answers to life’s problems.

This movie had no objectionable material, with the exception of an utterance of the Lord’s name in vain. As I have mentioned before, in my opinion, this never adds to a movie, only detracts from it. Little ones may be frightened by the brief vandalism scene and a brief fire scene (these are both tastefully done). Aside from that, this is a heartwarming film with an excellent message that I would recommend for families with children over the age of 5.

I am passionate about finding movies suitable for families. For a complete listing of family movie suggestions and an archive of past reviews from a Christian worldview for Movie Monday, please go to my Mom-Approved Movies Page.

Join me each Monday for a new movie review. Until then, have a blessed week!

Movie Monday – Game Time: Tackling the Past 7/30/12

This week’s family movie suggestion is Game Time: Tackling the Past…

Jake Walker is an NFL football player with everything going for him. He’s loved by his fans, has a lucrative career, and seems to have it all. Then the phone call comes that changes his life: his dad has suffered a heart attack. Jake travels back to his small North Carolina hometown. But will things ever be the same? Can broken hearts forgive?

In North Carolina, Jake’s brother, Dean is a husband, father, and high school football coach. As a matter of fact, with his dad, he coaches the same team both he and Jake played for in high school. However, things aren’t good between Dean and Jake, nor Jake and his father.

When Jake unexpectedly receives a call letting him know he will no longer be playing for the same NFL team, Jake worries about his future. Football is all he has ever loved. What will become of the NFL career he fought so hard to build? Will his agent be able to sign a contract for him with another team? If not, what then? Will his injured knee hold up through another season? What will become of the newly blossoming relationship between he and Sarah, his high school girlfriend from the past whom he recently reconnected with in North Carolina?

I applaud Walmart and Proctor & Gamble for producing family movies, many with great themes. That said, Game Time: Tackling the Past is one of my favorite of these movies. It combines drama and sports for an enjoyable movie that is appropriate for the entire family. There is nothing objectionable -no foul language, no violence – just an awesome family movie with an important lesson that I highly recommend!

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 – Ken Davis & Friends: Get ’em While They’re Hot!

This week’s family movie suggestion is Ken Davis & Friends: Get ’em While They’re Hot!

We are huge fans of Ken Davis (and David Jeremiah, whose church, Shadow Mountain Community Church, hosted this comedic gang) so it was a no-brainer for us to purchase this DVD.

This video is awesome! Each of the comedians was very funny. Ken Davis, as always, was great. We have watched many of his videos and have also listened to him on the radio. He has a gift for bringing out the humorous happenings of real life in an identifiable way.

Our second favorite was Bean and Bailey, followed by David Pendleton. Both of the latter performances were so funny that my husband and I both had tears streaming down our faces from laughter. This is definitely a must-see. It is one of the most hilarious videos we have ever seen – and how nice that it contains no foul language or objectionable content! I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

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 – Hot Lead & Cold Feet – 6/11/12

This week’s Monday Movie suggestion is Hot Lead & Cold Feet…

What’s family night without an old Disney movie thrown in every now and again? Hot Lead & Cold Feet stars the hilarious Don Knotts as the goofball sheriff in a small Wild West Arizona town. He spends most of his time dueling with Rattlesnake, an equally goofy town resident played by Jack Elam.

Twin brothers Eli and Billy, and their father, Jasper, are all played by the same man in this hilarious movie from waaaayyyy back in 1978. Eli and Billy are twins, and Eli was raised by their mother, while Billy was raised by their father. The differences in their upbringing are clear – Billy is a gunfighter who disregards the law and has turned the town his father founded into a chaotic mess filled with gunfights and lawlessness. On the other hand, Eli is a mild-mannered preacher who has taken in two orphans and makes it his own personal mission to be kind and do good to others.

What happens, then, when the twins’ father fakes his death and the two brothers meet for the first time (since their birth) in an effort to see who will win their father’s vast  inheritance?

This movie contains nothing objectionable and families will find themselves laughing at the antics of the characters.  Very young children may be frightened by the adventures Eli finds himself in during the race to win the inheritance. There is one spot (shown for laughs) where Eli is tricked into drinking whiskey (which he’s never had before). This is a great discussion point about being careful who we trust and not taking food and drink items from strangers.

I highly recommend this movie and a travel back into a time when innocent, wholesome, and funny movies were the norm and not the exception.

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 – Ramona and Beezus – 6/4/12

This week’s Movie Monday family night movie suggestion is Ramona and Beezus…

Having grown up reading the Ramona books, I couldn’t wait to watch this movie. I wasn’t disappointed. This movie is great, clean family fare. There was nothing objectionable and I applaud the producers for creating a movie the entire family can watch. There were a few scenes, such as Ramona dangling over a canyon that might be scary to very young children (under 5).

There are wonderful discussion-starters throughout the movie. For instance, Ramona always feels the need to compare herself to her older sister, Beezus. Beezus, of course, sees Ramona as nothing more than a pesty little sister who is always causing trouble. How many children could identify themselves with either Ramona or Beezus?

Some of the other children in the movie don’t treat Ramona kindly and they laugh at her on more than one occasion. While this movie is not a Christian movie, it did give me the opportunity to remind my children that no matter how the world sees them, it’s who they are in Christ that matters. Ephesians 2:10,  John 1:12, and 1 Samuel 16:7 came to mind. Strong family bonds and joining together when times are tough was also a good discussion starter. Family members may not always see eye to eye, but when critical matters arise, unity is crucial.

Full of humor, a strong love expressed by family members for each other, some touching parts, and a bit of romance, make this a movie I would highly recommend!

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.

Four chances to win!!!

I don’t think I’ve ever posted three posts in one day, but today is going to be one of those days! First off, I want to tell you that I have been honored to be the guest on four (yes, four!) different blogs this week. Each blog is giving away a copy of McKenzie to one lucky commenter. Here are the links:

http://enjoycountryliving.com/wp2/?p=1228 (also includes the blogger’s review of McKenzie)

http://dawnsdelightsart.com/2012/04/mckenzie-montana-skies-series-giveaway.html

http://anoterote.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-giveaway-penny-zeller.html

http://momofonehavingfun.blogspot.com/2012/04/mckenzie-by-penny-zeller-book-giveaway.html

These are also really neat blogs, so I encourage you to check out what these blogs have to offer! And yes, feel free to enter on each blog for a better chance of winning!

For more giveaways, please see my Events and Giveaways page at https://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/events-info/

Be sure to join me each Thursday for special giveaways with some of my favorite author friends and be sure to stop by this blog on May 3 when I’ll have a very special giveaway in honor of my blog’s anniversary and my Facebook page’s new remodel! Until then, have a fantastic rest of your week!

Movie Monday – Homeless for the Holidays – 3/12/12

This week’s Movie Monday movie suggestion is Homeless for the Holidays…

Jack Baker is a young and affluent businessman making his mark in the world of marketing for a large firm in his town. An arrogant man, Jack is not only selfish with his money (as is seen when he donates only a quarter to the Christmas fund), but he is also selfish with his time. His children yearn for him to spend time with them, and his wife, Sheryl, is tired of his cell phone ringing nonstop.

But Jack has bigger priorities that donating to every cause that comes his way. He has bigger priorities than spending time with his family. Jack is all about money and what money can buy. He finds great value in being able to provide the best Christmases for his family, which in his mind are the best and most expensive gifts and a large budget for decorating his house.

What happens one day when Jack is fired from his job? What then will become of his monetary dreams and his career ambitions?

This movie has many great discussion points. Jack must deal with pride and humility when he secures a job at Penguin’s Point, a fast food restaurant. The bills are piling up – where will Jack turn?

But negative points, such as deceit and greed, aren’t the only items up for discussion. There’s also loyalty, family-togetherness, sticking together in the most difficult times, and kindness also receive screen time. My favorite part is when Jack models for his son an example of true sacrifice and the mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves.

There are a few corny parts of this movie, but the resulting clear and heartwarming message make this movie one I would recommend for 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 – Friendship’s Field – 9-5-11

This week’s family movie suggestion is Friendship’s Field (Feature Films for Families)…

Friendship’s Field takes us back to the 1960s when tomboy Ira’s life changes forever and leaves her with a memory long into adulthood.

Prejudice toward migrant workers is rampant in Ira’s hometown, but her family is different. They see people for who they are, despite cultural differences, color of skin, and social status. During a particular summer in 1965, Ira befriends Oscar, the son of migrant workers. But what happens when some local teenagers take their anger and prejudice out on Oscar’s brother?

However, Friendship’s Field is not all serious. Not by a long shot. There is plenty of humor, including Ira’s decision to pester her three older sisters, whom she refers to as “the poofheads.”

There are plenty of great discussion starters in this movie including:

Everyone is made in the image of God and why it’s important to see people as God sees them,

Loving your neighbor, no matter who that might be, and

Being a leader, rather than a follower, and standing up for what is right.

There is nothing objectionable in this movie. However, there are a couple of scary parts involving a snake and an incident of mild violence, which may scare younger children.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I would highly recommend it!

I am passionate about finding movies suitable for families. For a complete listing of family movie suggestions and an archive of past reviews from a Christian worldview for Movie Monday, please go to my Mom-Approved Movies Page.

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 Review Monday.