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 – 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.