I was given an opportunity to view an online screening of The Mighty Macs. This movie is based on a true story. It's rated G.
It's a story about Cathy Rush who in 1971 became a basketball coach at Immaculata College, a small all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia run by nuns. She was ambitious and determined to give her team the best chance at competition, even though the team/the school had little prospects. She encouraged the girls (players in her team) to be teamplayers and to pursue their dreams. She coached them in somewhat unconventional ways but it worked. Cathy Rush led the team to win the Women's College Basketball National Championship 3 years in a row (1972, 1973, and 1974).
She had been married for about 3 years when she decided by herself (against her husband's approval) that she wanted to become a basketball coach. Her husband, Ed Rush, who was an NBA referee, wanted to start a family, instead. Obviously, this caused friction in their marriage. I understand that she had unfulfilled dreams but she should have discussed them with her husband before they got married. It seems to me that she insisted on putting her career/goals above her husband's wishes...not being a submissive wife according to the Bible (she claimed to be a Baptist in the movie). In the movie, Ed did come around to be supportive of her.
The Mighty Macs is a clean, feel-good, entertaining family movie. If you like basketball and love to cheer for underdogs, you will enjoy this movie. Team spirit. Perseverance. Dreams come true. Nuns as cheerleaders. One woman who impacted the lives of many women. Too bad...the overtones of feminism had to be there, too. Oh..and a few other negative elements included a lie and deception.
The Mighty Macs stars Carla Gugino as Cathy Rush; David Boreanaz as her husband, NBA referee Ed Rush; Marley Shelton as assistant coach Sister Sunday; and award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn as Mother St. John.
By the way, the real Cathy Rush was in the movie playing as a bank teller :).
180 Film Turns Opinions Around Regarding Abortion New award-winning documentary is changing minds and saving lives!
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—What would you do if…? Thus begins the question being asked by author and film producer Ray Comfort in his new documentary,180. Titled to reflect the complete turnaround in the mindsets of all to whom the question is posed, the award-winning film shows eight pro-choice people (mostly college students) changing their stance to pro-life just moments after the question is asked in its entirety. It is Comfort’s hope that the documentary, releasing online September 26th, will go viral.
While skeptics of 180 (Living Waters Publications) say they can’t believe anyone would change his or her mind so quickly, Comfort accepts and even understands their disbelief, stating that he could hardly believe it himself when he first viewed the footage in the editing room. Initially, 180 was not the film he meant to produce. At the time, Comfort was taping interviews for a DVD to go along with a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, “It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them this one question. We realized it wouldn’t be convincing to have only males speaking on the subject, so we took to the streets, asking that one particular question, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds. It was amazing!”
Though it was not Comfort’s original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue, when he saw the direction the film was taking, he quickly recognized its potential to open the doors of discussion. “I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—that is, up until now. In 180 we have a nation changer.”
A spokesperson for Living Waters, the production company behind the documentary, further explains the abrupt change this way: “There really isn’t that much to debunk because there is no argument against it. Its message is very powerful, eye-opening and watertight. It leaves no room for a comeback.”
Comfort adds, “Most of us know that we should be doing something to stop this horror, but the thought of protesting is a little unnerving, especially with the demonization of those who do so. But here is something each of us can easily do—we can give this DVD out. We can pass them out on the streets, leave copies on park benches or on seats in malls or give it to the checkout lady at the supermarket. This isn’t hard to do, and it will save lives—perhaps millions of lives.”
As to the rest of the question Comfort asks in 180? You’ll have to wait to watch the video to find out what it is. “For me to tell you what the question is,” he explains, “would be cheating you. You’ve got to see the facial expressions change. You’ve got to see the people, when they are asked that one question, change from one of a hard look in their facial expressions to one of a light going off, as they change their minds and realize how evil abortion is. Their thinking makes an abrupt 180 degree turn, all because of that one game-changing question.”
Although the film is just now being released to the public, an early edit of 180 was submitted for consideration and won a 2011 Telly Award.
~Thanks to Audra Jennings at The B&B Media Group for the news release info. above.
The documentary is now available for free viewing online at http://www.180movie.com/ or you can watch it below (please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video).
The Shunningis the Hallmark Channel Original Movie starring Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield. The DVD was released on 9/13/2011.
Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.
The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.
BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning" Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.
Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.
My Thoughts and Review:
Raised in an Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Katie Lapp struggles being an Amish. To conform to their beliefs, she has to constantly fight against her passion for music (guitar playing and singing) and confess as if it was sin. She's about to be married to the Bishop, yet she can't shake off the love and fond memories she still has for her deceased boyfriend. One name, Laura Mayfield, changes everything. The long-kept secrets of the past are threatened. The promise is broken. The family love is tested. The true identity is discovered.
I have never read the book but I was totally captivated by the movie :)! I've always been intrigued by the way the Amish live. I love their simple living but I don't agree with some of their beliefs/rules. I've heard of "shunning" before but the movie really made me feel so sad for those who have been shunned. It's a very cruel way of punishment. It's not a way to show the love of Christ for sure. The unconditional love of Christ leads to forgiveness, healing, and restoration. I had sympathy for both birth mother and adoptive mother in the movie. I cried and I did not want the movie to end. I wish it would continue; I wanted to know what happened next :). This is a touching movie of love, forgiveness, and family. It's a story of two worlds (the Amish and the English) colliding in a tangle of adoption, deception, and emotions.
GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of The Shunning DVD. To Enter: "Like" The Shunning's Facebook page and then leave a comment here including your Facebook name. Make sure you leave your email address, too. Deadline: Sept. 30th at midnight (Pacific time)
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each one you do):
- Follow this blog via GFC or NetworkedBlogs
- "Like" my page "Christ Alone" on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter: @treasuredbyGod
- Share the link to this giveaway post on Facebook
- Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
- Enter my Ginny Owens' CD giveaway
- Enter my Jeremy Riddle's CD giveaway
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my 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."
About the DVD:
Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.
Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.
My Thoughts and Review:
Death of a child often leaves parents distraught beyond words. Mac McDonald has a hard time letting go of his deceased son. He and his teenaged son are constantly at odds. His marriage crumbles. Sam Wright, a cop and a pastor, struggles with loving someone who hates him. He starts to doubt his calling. Both men (who get paired up to be partners) desperately need God's healing! The Grace Card is an inspiring film that demonstrates the power of forgiveness and grace. It is at times sad and depressing. I think I cried twice :). It addresses the issues of racial prejudice, grief, anger, hatred, bitterness, blames, and family relationship.
Academy Award®-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. gave a nice performance playing Grandpa George (Sam's grandpa). For most cast members, this was their first film; however, they did a fantastic job. I was surprised to find out that Michael Joiner (who played Mac) is a stand-up comedian in real life. He played a serious role so convincingly! I found the climax to be somewhat predictable but still touching. I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it. Don't expect a Hollywood production quality. If you compare The Grace Card (Graceworks Pictures LLC and Calvary Pictures' first film) to Flywheel (Sherwood Pictures' first film), it is pretty well done. It relied on tons of volunteers just like Sherwood Pictures.
The Grace Card is a faith-based & grace-filled film that is meaningful to both believers and nonbelievers. It's a great reminder that if we love like Jesus, we can't help but extending grace and forgiveness to others no matter who they are or what they have done. God's grace is indeed powerful and beautiful! Don't just receive it; give it, too!
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the trailer.
GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of The Grace Card DVD!
To Enter: "Like" The Grace Card's Facebook page and then leave a comment here including your Facebook name. Make sure you leave your email address, too. Deadline: Sept. 4th at midnight (Pacific time)
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each one you do):
- Follow this blog via GFC or NetworkedBlogs
- "Like" my page "Christ Alone" on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter: @treasuredbyGod
- Share the link to this giveaway on Facebook
- Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
*If you don't win the giveaway, you can purchase the DVD here.
~“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my 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.”
About The Grandfathers:
From Sacrifice to Reconciliation, a Young Man Discovers His Heritage in The Grandfathers
The Grandfathers showcases both the burden and benefit of the Saint family’s legacy. Jesse Saint, Steve’s oldest son and Nate’s grandson, was not raised among the tribe like his father. He struggles to find his place under the weight of the memory of a famous grandfather he never knew and a heroic father he does not fully understand. This will all change after Jesse travels to the jungles of Ecuador with his family and gradually forms a special bond with Mincaye, one of the tribesmen who took part in his grandfather’s murder. Only then will he confront his family’s past and come to terms with his own destiny. And there he will find his place in this story.
The Grandfathers chronicles the personal quest for greater connectedness and significance. It is also a moving tribute to ordinary people living extraordinary lives in extreme situations. Jim Hanon, the film’s director, states, “Forgiveness is an awe-inspiring virtue that seems to have been passed on by the Saint family and is shared by many among the Waodani tribe—both demonstrate a profound capacity for forgiveness and healthy self-healing.”
Steve Saint consulted with Jim Hanon and Mart Green, EGM’s producer, to help bring the story of his father, Nate, to screen through the feature film End of the Spear and the companion documentary film Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These films trace events leading up to and including the deaths of these men. More than that, they show the impact these events played on the lives of both their survivors and their killers. When the widows and their children went to live among the Waodani—a tribe regarded as the most violent on earth—they became an integral part of an incredible redemptive journey.
The Grandfathers, completes a trilogy produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) that includes End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These first two films, also from award-winning director Jim Hanon and producer Mart Green, tell the unforgettable and inspiring story of the killing of five missionaries by a stone-age tribe deep in the Amazon jungle. The impact of this tragic event lives on today in families of these slain men as well as among those responsible for their deaths.
This inspirational film has been awarded The Dove Foundation seal of approval.
EGM is an educational nonprofit organization exploring the critical issues of our time through film and new media. It is a community of visionary writers, artists, and filmmakers that seeks to capture true stories of compelling virtue that speak to the human condition. Visit http://www.egmfilms.org/ .
MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
Most people have heard about the gruesome murder of 5 missionaries (Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, and Pete Fleming) in the jungles of Ecuador by the men from the Wadoni tribe, the tribe they tried to befriend. That tragedy happened in 1956, 22 years before Jesse Saint (Nate Saint's grandson/ Steve Saint's son) was born. The Grandfathers is a motion-graphics documentary that follows Jesse's journey from being indifferent to being impacted and then being very involved in the lives of the Wadoni people. He grew up in the shadow of his famous grandfather and his revered great aunt, Rachel (Nate Saint's sister who continued Nate's missionary work in Ecuador and spent 36 years with the Wadoni Tribe until her death in 1994), who was well loved by the Wadoni. When he was 16, his father moved the family to live with the Wadoni upon their request. Imagine the challenges and the adjustment! My 17 yo daughter and I enjoyed watching this film and laughed a lot. I know the subject matter is serious but the narrator and the interviews presented many funny moments. You have to see it to understand what I'm talking about :). By the way, I would not recommend this film for kids younger than 13 because there are some disturbing scenes/descriptions.
Jesse Saint's life made a huge turn after developing friendships with Mincaye and two other old men who took part in spearing his grandfather to death. From being heartless killers to becoming joyful, friendly people who love to laugh! It's a beautiful testimony of Christ's love, the power of forgiveness, heart transformation, and reconciliation. No one is beyond God's grace and His redemption through Christ's blood! Not even the most violent tribe on earth! Jesse Saint lost one grandfather and as a result, he gained three grandfathers.
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the trailer.
~ I received a free copy of this DVD from The B&B Media Group in exchange of my honest review.
About MAGDALENA: Through Her Eyes DVD (from Campus Crusade for Christ, ~82 minutes long):
THE LOVE SHE EXPERIENCED CHANGED HER LIFE.
THE MAN SHE FOLLOWED CHANGED THE WORLD.
MAGDALENA: Through Her Eyes is the story of Jesus from a woman's perspective. As she followed Jesus, Mary Magdalene witnessed changed lives, miracles, and His tenderness toward women. Her own life was radically transformed when Jesus healed her and gave her a new purpose for living.
MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
We have been long-time supporters of the Jesus Film Project (their link is on my sidebar :)). Both my husband and I were serving with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) when we were in college (attending different colleges in different countries). In fact, God used CCC to bring us together from across the world (I'll have to share our God-orchestrated love story some other time :)). I was so excited to get an opportunity to review this DVD from Campus Crusade for Christ. Magdalena: Through Her Eyes DVD was produced by women (its producer, director, and writer are women) for women. It portrays the life of Christ from Mary Magdalene's perspective. It was well done even thought it was a challenging task to blend scenes from the original Jesus Film (1979) with the new footage without losing the flow. I think they did a fantastic job. If you have never seen the original Jesus Film before, you probably won't be able to tell that they mixed scenes that were 30 years apart :).
In this film, Mary Magdalene tells her friend, Rivka and two other women (plus a girl and a boy) about the Messiah and helps them realize that God does care for women. Actually, she started from the very beginning (Genesis 1) so that they will fully understand God's plan of redemption through Christ. The film highlights Jesus's love and compassion through His interaction with women: delivering Mary Magdalene from demons, talking with the Samaritan woman at the well and offering her the living water, healing a woman who bled for 12 years, raising a girl from the dead, commending on a widow's small but sacrificial offering, forgiving an adulterous woman, making His first appearance after His resurrection to Mary Magdalene and assigning her to go tell His disciples that He is alive, etc. Throughout history, women have been oppressed, abused, mistreated, and undervalued. But Jesus loves them, forgives them, heals them, and cares about their needs no matter who they are and what they have done. This DVD aims to encourage women to see how much God loves and treasures them and to reflect upon the eternal hope that can only be found in Christ, the Savior of the world. We all, including women, are precious in God's eyes.
Magdalena: Through Her Eyes is not just another Christian film; it is a wonderful ministry tool. You can host a movie night with a purpose by making it a special event for women. The DVD package includes Magdalena: Through Her Eyes DVD, Reflections of Hope Bible Study, "Women's Ministry Leader" event letter, and special event marketing materials. The Bible Study Guide explores different aspects of who Jesus is to women: Our Loving Pursuer, Our Gracious Forgiver, Our Power for Living, Our Powerful Deliverer, Our Compassionate Provider, Our Complete Restorer, Our Living Water, and Our Lifelong Friend. I'm looking forward to hosting a movie night/Bible study for the international students who attend our local university. It's so cool that this DVD has 8 language options: English, Russian, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, and Arabic. I'd like to invite you to check out their website at http://www.magdalenatoday.com/ and get your small group, women's ministy, and/or church involved. A church event showing has a lot of potential to make a great impact. It may lead to Bible studies, a second church event outreach, film showing for a women's cause, donation/volunteer opportunity for a women's cause, etc. Speaking of a women's cause, my family is very pro-life and we faithfully support our local Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC). PRC helps 8,000 women (and pre-born babies) annually through 5 Centers, providing free pregnancy tests, comprehensive peer counseling, free Ultrasound (given by RNs), practical help, referrals and real hope (the Gospel message) to those facing unplanned pregnancies. My daughter participates in Steps for Life, an annual fund-raising event for PRC (this is her 12th year). Please consider supporting PRC by clicking here.
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the trailer.
GIVEAWAY: I'm so happy to tell you that there's an extra DVD package for one of my readers :). Just in time for Easter... Ends 4/15 at midnight Pacific time.
To Enter: Please leave a comment here letting me know if you've ever seen the Jesus Film or what women's cause is important to you. Please also make sure to leave your email address or your blog address so that I will be able to contact you if you're chosen as a winner (randomly). This giveaway is open only to US residents.
Extra Entries:
1. Visit my daughter's Steps for Life fund-raising webpage here and make a tax-deductible donation to PRC. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Come back and leave a comment here for 3 extra entries.
2. Visit http://www.magdalenatoday.com/ and come back here letting me know one thing you learn from the website.
3. Enter my Rebecca St. James's CD, "I Will Praise You" Giveaway here.
4. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect or NetworkedBlogs.
5. Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/treasuredbyGod .
6. Post about this giveaway and link to this post on your blog.
7. Post the link to this giveaway on your Facebook page or tweet it. Please also leave your Facebook link or twitter link in a separate comment.
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my 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.”
My fave five this week include:
1. Garage Sale. I usually like shopping at garage sales. However, I also enjoyed hosting a garage sale last Saturday. I had fun getting rid of stuff, meeting people, and getting cash for things we didn't need/use. The older I get, the less attached to things I am. We want to live simply with minimal possessions. We want to be ready. Lord, here we are...send us! We're preparing for the "rain" (if you've watched Facing the Giants, you know what I mean :)).
2. Congratulations to my daughter, Alyssa! Her short story, Tunnel Terror, has placed 5th out of 126 entries worldwide. It will be posted at the Surrey International Writers Conference October 22-24, 2010 in Canada.
3. Fresh cinnamon rolls. On Wednesday, Alyssa made cinnamon rolls for the first time. They were so delicious.
4. Boardgame marathon day (on Sunday)...Yahtzee, Buzzwords, Monopoly...Fun fun fun!
5. The Butterfly Circus (20 minute film starring Nick Vujicic). To watch this inspiring movie, click here. Nick Vujicic is a true inspiration. You can visit his website at http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ .
