Finding Noah - Movie Review

For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of Noah's Ark.  Though there have been many attempts, few have been able to fully explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat.  Located in Eastern Turkey, Agri Dagh or "The Painful Mountain" is the tallest mountain in the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically unstable hot spot.  With constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden crevasses, and glacial ice falls, the Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific investigation.  

Join director/producer Brent Baum and the FINDING NOAH film crew as they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt. Ararat's desolate summit.  There, using state of the art technology and real-time satellite imagery, this team of archeologists, scientists and professional mountaineers will begin a grid work of exploration unlike any before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question:  did Noah and his Ark actually exist?  

Shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to go to discover the truth.  Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise, FINDING NOAH is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk and limitation.  

My Review: 

I am a firm believer of the Bible and in the Book of Genesis, it states that the ark rested on the top of Mount Ararat when the waters began to recede after the flood. The one thing that no one can argue is that in virtually every religion and in every culture, there is a story of a great flood or deluge that covered the earth. It is also why I believe that fossils of species are found on virtually every continent despite that the environments may not have been suitable for that species. It is the only plausible answer that fits and once science will one day come to accept. In this documentary, I am in awe of the spirits of the men from various backgrounds and skills sets that have banded together using information that has been acquired for more than a hundred years in an attempt to locate any sign of Noah's ark.

I won't tell you the outcome because that would ruin it for everyone, but sometimes its the persistence and desire to locate what has been kept secret locked beneath 30 some meters of ice and glaciers in a region where the territory and rights of those that control it, have been ever changing for centuries. Now under control of the Turkish government and even then against two opposing sides, the team must gain permission to begin the climb otherwise they are fair game to those who continue to fight in that region. It is unbelievable what it takes to begin this journey and will be a huge favorite for those that love a challenge or are hard core climbers.

I received the opportunity to preview Finding Noah before it hits theaters on October 8th for one night only, compliments of Propeller LLC and 17K ASL for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from my opportunity to preview it and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I love the background history into the cultural aspects behind trying to find the ark and what it would mean if they could find it. It goes beyond simply proving it exists, and now just need to find out precisely where it is buried. I hadn't realized that many other documentaries that have claimed they have found the ark were fakes in order to make money on their movie. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars and is Dove Approved for ages 12 and up.

For more information about Finding Noah, obtaining tickets to see it on October 8 or learning more about the team that made the journey, please click on the links below:

Finding Noah by 17K ASL
 
You can find Finding Noah on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest news about the ark.
  
To purchase tickets for this one day event to see Finding Noah on October 8th, please click here.

Virtuous - DVD Review

In light of programming available for our families, it is such a thrill to find incredible movies that are not only amazing but share a valuable moral lesson straight from the Bible as if they are modern day parables. Receiving 5 out of 5 Doves, by the Dove Foundation, Virtuous from JC Films has been released on DVD for your home entertainment. It conveys the message behind the Proverbs 31 woman, one of faith, integrity, wisdom, and honor!

Singer/songwriter Brandy Allison stars as Simone Burner, a young college student who is returning home late one night after working a double shift as a waitress only to be followed by a man Patrick Walters, she meets with a group of friends outside a club. They want Simone to stay and enjoy the evening but she is too tired to stay. Instead of accepting her refusal to join them, Patrick tries to convince Simone to come stay with them, and no matter how hard she tries to dissuade him, he won't take no for an answer. Inside a dark alcove as they struggle, he is shot and Simone is left as a person of interest, especially when the gun she said she found on the ground outside her apartment goes missing.

A District Attorney looking for re-election caves to the wealth of Patrick's grandfather, who insists that Simone be charged with murder and her arrest be made swiftly. They incorporate one of the officers assigned to the case,  Detective Avery, who is convinced that Simone is guilty despite all the evidence facing her. She is assigned the case along with sealed documents from Simone's less than stellar past to help bring about the charges as quickly as possible. Simone's only chance for redemption is through an attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada) who offers free consultation for any case. Along the way, three other stories begin to emerge along the way of other women who are struggling to find their own self worth in a world that wants only to condemn and control them.

I received Virtuous by JC Films and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review with only a complementary copy of the DVD provided. The opinions in this review are strictly my own. I really LOVED the overwhelming theme of the movie as it really pertains to women's struggle for discovering self worth and affirmation doesn't need to come from the world or anyone but through knowing we are daughters of the One True King, Jesus Christ! A must for any young girl struggling with low self esteem or finding out who she is outside of what the world has to offer. There is even a Behind The Scenes Look with the Cast and Crew included and a Discussion Guide is available at VirtuousFilm.com. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Virtuous, JC Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Virtuous by JC Films

You can find JC Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest family films.

To purchase a copy of Virtuous from Amazon, please click here.

Hero - DVD Review

The hardest thing in life is to find forgiveness and to be able to forgive, and often times the best way to show how that is accomplished is through an exceptional family movie! In the movie Hero, we see Joe Finn, (Burgess Jenkins from Remember the Titans and The Shunning), who has returned home after being gone for the last seven years. On his homecoming, he learns that his wife, Hannah has a few short weeks left to live and she wants to spend those with Joe. But not everyone is happy to see Joe return home. His son, David, has gotten over not having his father around, and assures him that he is not wanted at home any longer. It is the film version of the prodigal father who returns home to a less than pleasing homecoming.

He believed that when he left to scout for the big leagues, he was providing a future for his family, but instead realizes that the cost for doing so, may not have been worth it. He struggles with coming to terms with his son's lack of respect for him being at home, and when Joe Finn attempts to help out with a struggling little league team of misfits known as the Gappers, he begins to understand just how much his leaving has cost his son, his family and his town.

In order to help the team, he tries to get their father's to commit to spending some time helping out with practice at home and to attend some of the games and practice sessions. But like Joe, himself, they are simply too busy chasing careers to find the time to spend playing baseball with their sons. It's an eye opening experience for Joe as he begins to see what the implications of being away the last seven years have done in the life of his son, when he wasn't there to see it. No matter how hard he tries to convince the fathers, they simply aren't buying Joe's reasoning, even though he tries to explain to them how much it has cost his own family. He will need to begin again and work it out with everyone one step at a time instead of simply jumping back into things. In the end, he will show fathers and their sons, how valuable time well spent truly means and what it can cost us to pursue other things instead of raising our children.

I received Hero compliments of Advent Film Group and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such an exceptional family movie because often times, we don't understand the costs that take place when we simply don't have the time, to spend with our kids in pursuit of financial security. It's a cost that we can never recoup and one that we fail to understand until it's too late. I easily give this one a grand slam 5 out of 5 stars and the lesson it teaches by the end of the movie is one you won't want to miss. This one has been given 5 doves by the Dove Foundation as well.

For more information about Hero, Advent Film Groups or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Hero by Advent Film Groups

You can find Advent Film Groups on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest family entertainment.

Holy Ghost DVD Review and Giveaway

If you've read the Bible, more specifically the book of Acts, you may remember when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles while they were in the Upper Room. It was so powerful that they began to speak in tongues, perform miracles and we're endowed with the supernatural spirit of God. But some would argue that that time was needed in order to complete the Bible since Jesus had ascended to Heaven and once it was complete, the need for the Holy Spirit was no longer needed. Thus no more miracles, divine spiritual prophecies, and all that was needed was simply the Word of God.

But the film makers of Holy Ghost have challenged you to open your minds to the possibility that the Holy Spirit is much, much more and is still at work today, performing miracles, changing impossible lives and moving His Spirit where He leads to bring the message of hope and love to a hurting world. Armed with nothing more than faith and a small camera crew, they went where they felt the Spirit of God telling them to. You get the chance to see first hand how God is moving in ways you can't explain. From filming inside a Hindu Temple, which should have gotten them all killed, to walking the streets proclaiming God's love to a desperate world. From praying with people outside a Korn concert with lead guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, to having an intimate conversation with Lenny Kravitz, Michael W. Smith, and DeVon Franklin.

The one thing that stuck with me the most during this DVD was not that more "Christian artists" were needed in the world, but more "artists" that are grounded in their Christian faith to go into the dark places of the world and shine God's love into the hearts and souls of people who would never go to a church to find it. This is what I believe Jesus challenged us all in the Great Commission was to go into places and find lost souls and rescue them, show them the love of God, and heal their lives. Jesus didn't come to save those who were well but to those that were sick, lost and dying, and so we must be challenged as well.

I received Holy Ghost compliments of Wanderlust Productions and Flyby Promotions for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. You can not help but to be moved by this movie and for the love the film makers utilized like Todd White, Will Hart and Jamie Galloway who truly take the message to the streets where people need to hear it. I caution parents that this may be suitable for children over the age of 12 simply because there are parts of the movie, one at a rock concert in which certain types of hand gestures are used that may not be appropriate. Overall the movie is powerful and I believe it lights the fire that may lie dormant in some of us. A great movie to use in Bible Studies or college small group studies. I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

You can even get an exclusive world premiere opportunity to view this movie on September 6th only, by clicking here to view the movie. 

Thanks to the generosity of Wanderlust Productions and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky winner of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here is what you need to do:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canadian mailing address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Holy Ghost and how you plan to use it. Don't forget to include your email address too, so I can notify you if you're the lucky winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols too!

I will be notifying the winner of the giveaway once it ends on September 5th via email. You will need to respond within 72 hours or another winner will be selected.

For more information about Holy Ghost, Wanderlust Productions or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Wanderlust Productions presents Holy Ghost

You can find Wanderlust Productions on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest movies.

You can also visit the Holy Ghost Movie's website for more information. 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

When Calls the Heart - Second Chances

Just on the cusp of the first season coming to a close, When Calls The Heart, a series from the Hallmark Channel and adapted from the best-selling series from Janette Oke, finds a calling in the hearts of television viewers. Now this amazing series is available on DVD, and Second Chances, finds Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) at her wits end after finding out that the man she was falling for, Billy Hamilton was only out for Elizabeth's family fortune. When Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing), lets it slide that Elizabeth has no money, Billy decides Coal Valley isn't for him after all. Now Elizabeth begins to doubt her own emotions and once again is indebted to Jack. Jack struggles to find a way to convey the true feelings he has for Elizabeth and offers to take her to dinner, but with a lack of somewhere to take her in town, besides the saloon. Jack opts to help Elizabeth out with one of her students so they can spend time together.

Elizabeth is excited when a shipment of books arrives to aid one of her students Bo Grady that is struggling to read. She feels that if she can get him excited about reading it might provide a light to a future outside of mining.  It seems that the more Jack tries to convey his feelings for Elizabeth, the more he puts his foot in his mouth. Once again the two find themselves at odds. Elizabeth finds solace in talking things over with her friend, Abigail Stanton who dreams of opening a restaurant in Coal Valley. But first she has to get permission from Mr. Gowen, who owns everything in Coal Valley, including the mining company. Even though the store has sat vacant, she seems determined that she can make it work and its something the town of Coal Valley can use. But Mr. Gowen seems determined to prove to Abigail that a woman can't succeed at anything without his help. The only way he'll provide the cafe to Abigail is if she is willing to leave the row house she's lived in since her husband and son died.

Adam Miller is about to make his homecoming after corresponding with his family while recovering from the mining accident. What he failed to tell them was he has lost his legs, even though his family is more than thrilled to have him home, he sees himself as less than a man, and one that won't be able to provide for his family.  He realizes that even though he is finally home, it may not be the best place for his family. Now if they can only convince him that it isn't about his leg that makes him a husband and father. Things are about to get interesting when Elizabeth is put in charge of the annual production of the Coal Valley Founder's Day parade with no time to prepare and everyone has the highest expectations that it simply be the best. But will it?

I received When Calls the Heart: Second Chances compliments of Word Films, the Hallmark Channel and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. Not since Little House on the Prairie has their been a series this good and I am thrilled that I am able to share this with my entire family. It is produced from Michael Landon Jr who is following in his father's footsteps with producing family friendly shows. I love that we can all sit and enjoy something that is wholesome, without any questionable content, and suitable for all ages. There is so many great things about each episode and in this one it is all about second chances for each of the characters, from Jack and Elizabeth attempting to work on building their relationship, showing Bo Grady there is more to life than mining, and even for Abigail who has the opportunity to begin rebuilding her life after losing her husband and son. Hands down for me, one of my favorite series brought to television, and I can't wait for season two to begin soon. This DVD rates a 5 out of 5 stars and is part of the When Calls The Heart series. You will want to pick them all up and watch it from the beginning. This DVD is 85 minutes long. This is the fourth in the series to date.

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Second Chances, Word Films, Hallmark Channel, or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

When Calls the Heart: Second Chances from Word Films and Hallmark Channel

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest movies.

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest from the series.

A Long Way Off

Looking for a modern day retelling of the prodigal son? Then you just might want to take a look at Word Films newest DVD, A Long Way Off. It begins with the Abraham family who is in the farming business that employs two sons, Seth (DAVE BLAMY/Army Wives), the eldest and Jake (JASON BURKEY/October Baby), the youngest. Seth understands that hard work is required in order to make a family farm successful even in tough economic times. He is the one that has stayed behind to help his father out, while Jake left to seek a higher education in college. Even though Jake returns, his heart isn't interested in farming any longer. He believes he is wasting his college talent trying to update the farming business.

His lack of responsibility is apparent to everyone, when Jake shows up late and updates the invoicing system against his fathers wishes, costing them more than just a loss of business. No matter how hard Jake tries, he wants out and if his father won't support him, he will quit and find another way. But like the father in the biblical sense, Mr. Abraham (JOHN DIEHL/Stargate) gives Jake his inheritance to find a life that suits him better. Armed with more money than he knows what to do with, Jake leaves his family behind in attempts to prove them all wrong and become a successful businessman and financial consultant. But the world is a big place filled with people who are just as selfish as Jake and will stop at nothing to ensure that they make as much money off of Jake as they can when they see his financial investments are paying off. But life isn't about to turn out like Jake wanted and soon he will bite off more than he can chew.

I received A Long Way Off compliments of Word Films and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. While this DVD is Dove Foundation Approved, I would caution parents that this might not be suitable for the entire family. There are parts of the movie where Jake encounters Laura, an up and coming actress who wants Jake to invest in her upcoming movie and promises him "anything" for his financing. There is considerable drinking, hard partying, and the impression that Jake's relationship with Laura questionable who seduces him to get what she wants. Parental guidance is suggested, although it does portray a modern day retelling of the prodigal son who rises to the top only to lose it all in the end. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and the lesson you take away from this one is timeless and that a family's love is always unconditional.

About Word Entertainment:

A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.

For more information about A Long Way Off, Word Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

A Long Way Off from Word Films

You can also find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest movies.

Let God

"Nashville, TN - (January 15, 2014) –Word Films is set to release Breckenridge Film Festival’s 2013 “Best Feature” and “Best Actress” winner “Let God” on DVD on February 25. The faith-based film  follows  the story of young housewife, Amelia, who heads west with her husband during the 19^th century gold rush and is left alone without resources in the harsh wilderness when her husband is killed in a savage attack. Battling winter, hunger and the unknown, Amelia must take life into her own hands as she struggles with a loss of faith and battles for her survival. 

“There’s a gap between ritual and faith, and we explore that,” said “Let God” writer/director/producer William Parker. “The character of Amelia is very ritual oriented – she goes to church, she read the Bible…but through the movie she kind of gives up on it. Amelia struggles with loss of faith, feeling she’s been abandoned by God and is completely on her own.”  “In the end, she realizes that not only does she actually find her faith, she actually really believes, genuinely, ‘This is what I was looking for,’” adds Jasmin Jandreau who plays Amelia. “She realizes, through another connection in the film that comes along, that God was with her the whole time, and God was communicating with her the whole time.”

In addition to winning both “Best Feature” and “Best Actress” honors at the 2013 Breckenridge Film Festival, “Let God” was also an official selection at the 2013 Gideon Film Festival and has earned the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for any age. “This is a terrific Story!” said the Dove Foundation. “The writer/director and leading actress Jasmine Jandreau, as Amelia, somehow manage to make this story of survival a powerful movie about trials and a faith that overcomes all odds…You will enjoy watching this one. Don’t miss it!” (Press Release)

My Review: 

This is such a powerful movie by the time you get to the very end. The beginning is a bit off because it picks up after Amelia has suffered the loss of her husband and has been left alone to survive in the wilderness. You don't discover that til the movie gets going and it toggles back to where it all began. Amelia felt that this was something she didn't support when her husband made the decision to head west for a fresh new start. Yet despite all her instincts cautioning her against going, being married, she knew she had to stand by her husband. Eager to begin a new life, Levi wastes no time in making the arrangements to join another wagon train headed west. But when they spend too much time not traveling on the Sabbath, he grows impatient and suggests they head out anyway. What he fails to understand in his immaturity, is that there is safety in numbers. 

As they are attacked by Indians, Amelia is told to stay in the wagon and hides when she realizes they are under attack. Now left alone to deal not only with her husband's death, but her own survival she clutches to the only thing that has been a comfort to her in her life, her faith in God. Yet despite all her prayers for help, Amelia doesn't believe God hears her and abandons God while struggling for survival being completely unprepared for trying to find her way to anyone who can help her. She has to face some of the harshest circumstances from extreme weather conditions, shelter and finding food but she perseveres on in spite of the odds against her. 

I received Let God by Word Films compliments of Word Films and Edify Media for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions expressed in this review are my own unless otherwise notated. This is such a wonderful reminder of when faced against challenging odds as long as we are willing to cry out to God, He will provide us the hope to continue when our own strength fades. Sometimes our faith is encouraged when faced with insurmountable odds and only through being challenged will we be strengthened. While the circumstances that Amelia faces seem a bit unrealistic at times, when others are found frozen to death, she manages to survive, shows how her faith alone in God enabled her to survive when others fell short. The message behind the movie is hope and faith and that comes across loud and clear. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.This DVD is appropriate for all ages to enjoy! This DVD runs about 91 minutes.

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, NEEDTOBREATHE, Point Of Grace, Sidewalk Prophets, Skillet, Switchfoot and We As Human and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Music Publications & Church Resources, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.

For more information about Let God, Word Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below: 

Let God by Word Films

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest movies.