Movie Genre: Drama

Home Run – Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movies | Comments Off
hrc
Starring Genre:    Rated:
Scott Elrod, Dorian Brown, Vivica A. Fox, Charles Henry Wyson, Nicole Leigh, James Devoti
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Medium
Graphic Language:  Minimal
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  Minimal

“Home Run” is a very satisfying film, and it is refreshing to see a film that not only presents problems (and there are more than one presented here), but also gives solutions to these problems (and where to go to find them).  Refreshing indeed.

Scott Elrod as Cory in Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

We first meet our protagonist professional baseball player Cory Brand (played winningly by Scott Elrod) in the midst of a ballgame, a typical game filled with what he is becoming more and more famous for: drama fueled by alcohol-abuse and uncontrollable anger. The film dives right into our society’s obsession with stardom and the cult of personality: our celebrities can get away with more and more indiscretions, and our forgiveness (forgetfulness?) is more easily given – unless crossing what is left of our boundaries.

Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

In Cory’s case, he injures a young fan because of his anger and alcohol issues. His PR expert and agent (Vivica A. Fox in a great role for her) hauls him out of the lineup and into some much needed ballyhooed community service work in his hometown – along with sobriety and a twelve-step program. Ah, easier said than done for a spoiled sports star, and our film is off and running as he struggles with his past, his present, and where his future will end, along the way dealing with his father and mother, his brother and sister-in-law, an old girlfriend, and a little league baseball team he is forced to coach as part of his community service (and public relations damage control).

Scott Elrod as Cory in Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

In “Home Run,” the acting is superb all-around, evident of the great direction by David Boyd. And this is a gorgeous picture that makes fantastic use of the available images surrounding a ball diamond, a country home and barn, and the many wonderful landscapes we see throughout the film. And as I said, the film provides plenty of solutions for problems: how the community can help, how family and friends can be a strong support system, and the importance of these one-on-one relationships. “Home Run” showcases heavily “Celebrate Recovery,” a successful Christian program with a proven track record of helping those struggling with many different addictions, disorders, and abuses.

Dorian Brown as Emma, Charles Henry Wyson as Tyler, and Scott Elrod as Cory in Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

It bogs down about three fourths of the way through, but then “Home Run” picks up again as it cruises to its conclusion. Is change possible for everyone? The film claims you won’t know unless you try.

Nicole Leigh as Karen in Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

I thoroughly enjoyed “Home Run” and recommend you see it. The biggest fault of the film is its predictability. There are no real surprises in the story. That said, if things would have ended up differently, I don’t know how pleasing that would have been – so you do get a sense of satisfactions as things wrap up.

Vivica A. Fox as Helene and Scott Elrod as Cory in Home Run; Photo Courtesy of Provident Films

This is a good film: not a home run, but a solid triple anyway.

 

The Christian Worldview:

“Home Run” has a strong Christian, moral worldview.  Cory Brand is shown getting angry and the resulting injuries. There is frequent alcohol abuse depicted, including the flashbacks to his father’s drinking problem, as well as Cory’s own abuses.  Other characters talk about their various addictions and abuses, including pornography and sexual abuse. A major theme in the film is that change if possible if you are willing to try, and give it over to Christ. And the logline is “Freedom Is Possible.” God can and will forgive us, and change us in the process.

 

Biblical Discussion:

“Home Run” explores how we all have our skeletons in our closets. And because of this, our empathy to others should be great. But htat is not always the case. Sometimes in looking at others, we fail to see our own problems. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 7:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

He expands on this in Luke 6:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Are their certain sins that each of us look heavily on with great disdain? “I would never do that,” we say, but is one person’s indiscretion worse than the sins we commit? Perhaps our “little” sin is one that someone else looks at with much contempt. “How dare they,” we think. But Paul reminds us in Romans 3:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

But thankfully God’s Word does not stop there, but it goes on in verse 24: and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

As Cory discovers in “Home Run,” freedom is possible through Christ Jesus. And not only for Cory, but for all of us.

 

 

 

Click here to watch the official movie trailer for Home Run

Learn more about the movie critic and filmmaker Dale Ward

To get more details about Home Run visit Christian Film Database

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Les Miserables From a Christian Perspective

By Bethany Jett in Movies | Leave a comment
les-miserables-movie-poster
Starring Genre:    
Russell Crow, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Some
Graphic Language:  Mild
Nudity:  Mild
Strong Sexual Content:  Some
Violence:  Some

“Look down, look down. Don’t look ‘em in the eye. Look down, look down, you’re here until you die.” Chained men, some in knee-length water, pull thick chains as the large ship is brought into port under the watchful eye of Inspector Javert (Russell Crow). After the daunting job is finished, the convicts march out, with Javert singling out prisoner 24601. Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), begins his first discourse with Javert, who will spend the rest of his life chasing Valjean down for stealing a loaf of bread.

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway as Fantine in Les Miserables; Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

While on parole, Valjean makes his escape and begins a new life. He employs women in a factory, which is where we meet Fantine (Anne Hathaway). The manager throws Fantine out onto the streets after she refuses his advances, and he learns from the jealous workers that she works to pay for her child. Forced into life as a prostitute, she becomes extremely ill, and in an act of fate, Valjean rescues her from being arrested after she defends herself against a rough “gentleman.”

Fantine tells him of her child and discloses that due to his lack of concern over his manager’s cruelty, she was compelled into this life to make the payments to the couple who were caring for her daughter Cosette (Isabelle Allen and Amanda Seyfried). Overwhelmed by his own injustice and filled with the need to rectify his mistake, Valjean makes a deathbed promise to find Cosette and care for her. He sees this as God’s way of letting his life mean something.

He finds the child working as a slave for the Thénardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter) at their tavern. In contrast to Cosette’s meager existence, their own daughter, Éponine, lives as the little princess. The Thénardiers are con artists, gypping their customers and stealing anything they can wrap their slippery fingers around. Valjean “purchases” Cosette’s freedom, and adopts her.

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Isabelle Allen as young Cosette in Les Miserables; Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

 

Valjean’s troubles are not over, as Javert recognizes Valjean, but admits his mistake when another man is caught and is on trial for Valjean’s parole violation. Valjean struggles with giving up everything he has worked for and admitting his guilt, or letting another man take his place in the galleys.

A second storyline takes place with the Friends of the ABC. The rumblings of unrest among France’s people become outright rebellion when General Lamarque dies. The students set up barricades in the center of France in hopes the townspeople will join them in their cause. One of the leaders, Marius (Eddie Redmayne), is Cosette’s true love, and is unknowingly in a love triangle with Éponine loving him from afar.

Les Misérables is a story of redemption, mercy, forgiveness, legalism, heartbreak, and hope.  Is Valjean ever free from his sin of stealing bread to feed his starving family? Will Javert ever stop searching for him? Can Valjean’s saving of Cosette from the Thénardiers make up for his part in her mother’s death? Will Marius ever notice Éponine, or will Cosette be the only woman he has eyes for? What will happen to the students who set up the barricade in Paris’ epicenter? Does God care what happens to these wretched souls?

Eddie Redmayne as Marius in Les Miserables; Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

The singing and acting is beyond superb—the film won the Best Sound Mixing Award at the Academy Awards. Adding to the incredible storyline is director Tom Hooper’s extraordinary vision, which allowed the cast to sing live, accompanied by an on-set piano, instead of pre-filming the songs and lip-syncing afterwards. He says:

“I just felt ultimately, it was a more natural way of doing it. . .If they [actors] need a bit for an emotion or a feeling to form in the eyes before they sing, I can take that time. If they cry, they can cry through a song. When you’re doing it to playback, to the millisecond you have to copy what you do. You have no freedom in the moment – and acting is the illusion of being free in the moment.”

Amanda Seyfried as Cosette and Eddie Redmayne as Marius in Les Miserables; Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

 

That freedom stirs emotions as the actors are lost in the in their performance. Their voices resonate in your soul, and from the opening scene to closing chorus, every word will be etched in your soul. The agony on Hathaway’s face (Fantine) during her famous hair-cutting scene is enough to bring tears to your own eyes.

In order to create an authentic rendition of Fantine selling her locks for money to pay for her daughter after being fired from her job at a factory, her beautiful hair is hacked onscreen with a razor blade attached to a knife.

According to the actress who cut her hair, Hathaway did have to stop for a moment, and burst into tears when she felt the front. This authenticity shone through, and at the Academy Awards, an extremely deserving Anne Hathaway won Best Actress in a  Supporting Role.

Rebellion, theft, mercy, prostitution, thievery, death…

Welcome to Paris in the early 1800s. Welcome to Les Misérables.

Isabelle Allen as young Cosette in Les Miserables; Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

 

Biblical Worldview

Les Misérables is an exceptional movie in regards to how people perceive God. Cruel realities of a man imprisoned in a seemingly unfair lengthy sentence for a pitiful crime and a woman forced into prostitution to pay for her child’s welfare help us empathize with the characters. We can’t help but wonder what we would do in the same situations.

Fantine sells her teeth and hair to earn money, and this troubles your soul as you hurt for what she is willing to sacrifice. The prostitution section isn’t as graphic as you would expect when it comes to the physical act, although you see a man get on top of her. What’s more disturbing is the change in Fantine’s eyes as her virtue is sold for gold coins.

As far as any other disturbing scenes, the Thénardiers cheat and steal, and in one quick shocking scene, Helena Bonham Carter is seen straddling one of the patrons in a sex act, fully clothed, with her husband underneath the table as she pickpockets the man. The rest of the movie is worth watching if you choose to cover your eyes, or the eyes of your teen, during their major song number.

 

Biblical Discussion

The rich themes and subthemes in Les Misérables leave room for countless discussions on a myriad of Biblical themes.

For instance, when Valjean is released on parole, he is mistreated by everyone he comes into contact with— cheated of wages, teased by children, and refused food even though he can pay for it. Resigned to spending a cold night outdoors, an old woman suggests he try a certain door. He is welcomed by the priest and treated like a special guest.

Despite the priest’s kindness, Valjean steals the priest’s silver, but is caught and brought back to face the priest. However, the priest tells the police that he had given Valjean the silver. He then turns to Valjean, and in an incredible act of mercy, tells Valjean that he forgot the candlesticks. After the police leave, the priest says to Valjean, “I have bought your soul for God.”

This moment creates a spiritual crisis for Valjean, which he expresses in song as he struggles to understand why the priest responds in forgiveness after he’d been stolen from. He determines he will no longer be Jean Valjean the convict.

Contrast this with Valjean’s dealings with Javert, who even after Valjean spares his life, still cannot reconcile the past crimes he committed with the man he has become. Both men have a sense of duty, one seeing his obligation to society to remove a criminal off the streets, and the other with an obligation to keep a promise to a dying woman.

Why are some people able to go above and beyond the limits of mercy and grace like the priest, but others like Javert wrap indiscretion in the boundaries of justice and legalism?

James 2:24 says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Does Valjean atone for his sin of stealing bread by his good acts? Why or why not? Do the ends justify the means?

Why do you think Javert can’t accept the concepts of grace and mercy? “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). If Javert had followed this verse, how would the story between the two men have changed? Is there anyone in your life that you hold in the same regard as Javert held Valjean?

 

 

 

Click here to watch the Official movie trailer for Les Miserables

To learn more about the author, FL Christian Writers’ Conference, 2012 Writer of the Year visit www.BethanyJett.com

To get more details about Les Miserables visit Christian Film Database

Check out Bethany’s new book, The Cinderella Rule releasing spring 2013 with Regal Publishing! Available for pre-order!

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Hero – Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movie Reviews, Movies | Leave a comment
herocover
Starring Genre:    Rated:
Aimee Wood, Steve Brio, Shawn Huff, Bailey Huff
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Minimal
Graphic Language:  None
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  Minimal

In the short film Hero, 12-year-old Gina (Aimee Wood) is caught in the middle. Her one friend, Chip (Brandon Klopot), believes in heroes – in fact, he believes in Super Heroes. He wishes he could be one. Gina’s other friend, Sam (Dominique Grund), says there is no such thing as heroes, “and none stupid enough to come to our neighborhood.” Gina wants to believe in heroes – she is still hopeful. And with good reason: Gina needs a hero of her own.

As the film opens, Gina’s mother (Alice Bowden) is being rushed to the hospital and her diagnosis is not good. Gina’s father has flown the coop long ago, and her only other family member is her grandmother – estranged and alienated – and miles away. Gina is worried, afraid, and alone, and surely headed into the Foster Care system.

Tabitha Brown as Head Nurse Tammy in Hero; Courtesy of Hero Production Photos

At the hospital, Gina meets Dr. Tom Bennett (Steve Brio), and he sees her silent cry for help – for a hero – and it brings back painful memories from his own childhood. Despite having struggles at home with his teenage daughter (Bailey Huff), Dr. Bennett convinces his wife (Shawn Huff) that they should step in and allow Gina to stay with them. This act of kindness spreads, and the rippling effect has a positive influence on everyone in the home, proof that a small act can have a major impact in someone’s life.

Steve Brio, who also wrote the screenplay, plays Dr. Bennett. For him, the film is autobiographical on more than one level. From the child’s point of view, he recalls his own childhood living in a single-parent home, where his mother had struggles of her own. The heroes for him were the emergency personnel – firefighters and paramedics – that came to his rescue on more than one occasion. These heroes had such an impact on him that he decided on a career in firefighting himself, which he does to this day (as well as writing screenplays). He sees the adult’s (Dr. Bennett’s) point of view on a daily basis.

Aimee Wood as Gina in Hero; Courtesy of Hero Production Photos

The production value of Hero is top-notch – no cutting corners on this film. The opening scene with the ambulance, paramedics, and emergency room are riveting and highly impressive: great selections of shots and angles, and great use of audio, handheld shots, and editing. (Hero’s director of photography is Gonzalo Amat, and the film editor is Eugene Baldovino.) Energy, fear, and despair are brought to the screen in full force.

Having the fire department come on-board for the film was a great help, and Care Ambulance was a main sponsor. Brio says, “We had the support of the fire department. In fact, my crew volunteered as the on-screen crew in the movie. And we discovered and were able to shoot in a hospital that was in the middle of renovations. There was a whole vacant floor that we had access to.”

As for the acting, this is a great cast. Aimee Wood gives a wonderful performance as Gina. She gets great support from Alice Bowden as her mother, and there is nice turn by Tabitha Brown in the supporting role of hospital staff member Tammie. Dominique Grund has a demanding role as Gina’s hopeless friend Sam, and she is up to the challenge and turns in a very convincing performance. Sam’s flashback scene is a highlight of the film, and John Carrol is effectively menacing as the true “anti-hero.”

Zac Titus as Dr. Bryant in Hero; Courtesy of Hero Production Photo

As you can see, a lot goes on in this 20-minute faith-based film. Director Brent Huff and Producer Zac Titus have a winner here, and their efforts should be applauded. Hero has appeared at more than a dozen film festivals, and was awarded Best Short Narrative in three of these festivals, Best Short Film in another, and Audience Award Best Film in yet another.

In the end, Hero leaves you wanting more – the mark of a good short film. Perhaps they will consider expanding this film into a feature. Until then, Hero can be purchased for only $5 by sending your request to Steve Brio at this email address: the3brios@gmail.com. Hero is well worth the effort, dollars, and time. Looking for a hero? You’ll find one here.

John Carrol as Tom in Hero; Courtesy of Hero Production Photos

Christian Worldview:

Hero has a strong underlying Christian basis, although the religion is not heavy-handed at all. There is a brief discussion about Jesus, and could that be an angel in the one scene? The violence, deaths, and alcoholism are implied and talked about, but not shown outright. Younger audience might not understand what some of the visuals mean, but the film is fine for those 10 and older, although be prepared for questions (which should be expected from a quality film). This is a great film for a youth group or Bible study, although no written materials are currently available with it.

 

Biblical Discussion:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Hero explores the theme found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Helping others puts you in line to be a hero, but as Dr. Bennett in Hero shows, you help others because you have been helped in a similar way in your own past. Random acts of kindness could and should be contagious.

When Jesus was asked in Luke 10: 29 “Who is my neighbor?” He replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Read Luke 10: 25 – 37)  Jesus says in Matthew 19 to “love your neighbor as yourself.”  Who is your neighbor?  How can you be a hero to you neighbor?

Romans Chapter 13, verses 9 and 10 says, “Whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” How do we best exemplify love to others?

Jesus is the ultimate example of being a hero your life for someone else. In John 15, he says this: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love  no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” But as seen in Hero, even smaller things can make a difference. Be a hero today.

 

 

Click here to watch the Official movie trailer for Hero

Learn more about the movie critic and filmmaker Dale Ward

To get more details about Hero visit Christian FIlm Database

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Abel’s Field – Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movies | 2 Comments
afco
Starring Genre:    Rated:
Kevin Sorbo, Samuel Davis, Richard Dillard, Nicole Elliott
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Low
Graphic Language:  None
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  Low

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the entire football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As life continues to assault young Seth with more and more trials, he finds himself considering desperate and dangerous solutions.

 

Samuel Davis as Seth and Kevin Sorbo as Abel in Abel's Feild, Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

Abel’s Field is an enjoyable and satisfying film.  The field of the title is the high school football field, where so much of the drama of life in the small town of Sinai, Texas takes place. And it is this field – muddy, rutted and in disarray – where Seth must spend his early afternoons – helping groundskeeper Abel ready the field for the big homecoming game. But poor Seth has been dealt a bad hand – in fact, several bad hands one after the other – and he struggles to make ends meet working two other jobs, still going to school, while caring for his twin sisters. Abel becomes his reluctant mentor, and it is his influence that helps Seth make the right decisions when called upon.

 

Samuel Davis as Seth in Abel's Field; Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

The cast is strong, led by veteran Kevin Sorbo (of TV Hercules fame) as the withdrawn Abel. He carries the film, and the bits and pieces of his mysterious past, as these unravel, help to propel the film forward and give it it’s solid pacing. Samuel Davis does an amazing job as Seth, and he has us rooting for him from the onset. It is surprising to see this was one of his first films, as he shows outstanding depth of character and believability. And the supporting cast is strong, too, with nice turns by Richard Dillard as the football coach, and Nicole Elliott as Seth’s interesting (and interested) fellow student. A special shout out goes to Susan Mansur who lights up the screen.  Her three short scenes as the local convenience store clerk are favorites – what a scene-stealer – I wanted more.  What a stand out!

 

Kevin Sorbo as Abel in Abel's Field; Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

On a side note, the whole name game thing is unnecessary and a little confusing. Could these have been hold-outs from a previous incarnation of the story? Otherwise, I can see the only reason for the various names is merely to keep us guessing (which is not respectful to the audience) and only pulls us away from the story itself. And I can’t help but the think the government would want to get involved in Seth’s case, but there is no mention of social services in the film. Granted, in the first half of the film, the dad is (wrongly) believed to still be living in the house. I do have to say that Seth is very endearing, so you want him to succeed (without the aid of the government), but no help (interference?) from social services is highly unlikely.

 

Richard Dillard as Coach Chalmers and Samuel Davis as Seth in Abel's Field; Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

All in all, Abel’s Field kept me guessing (usually wrong!), so the surprises are enjoyable and refreshing. You’ll appreciate the bits and pieces as the story unfolds, leaving you with a satisfying conclusion.  This is a faith-based film, but the gospel message is subtle and not heavy-handed. In fact, for most of the film, faith is presented as a questionable pursuit and unreliable. Abel’s Field is highly recommended.

 

Kevin Sorbo as Abel in Abel's Field; Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

 

 

Nicole Elliott as Katie in Abel's Field; Photo Courtesy of Covenant Road Entertainment

The Christian Worldview:

One of the driving forces of the film is Seth’s coming to grips with his questions and doubts about the Christian faith in which he was raised. Some answers come from the pastor (and Seth takes his sisters to church on a regular basis), but the majority of his answers lie with his mentor, the mysterious Abel, who lives by a Christian standard.

There are instances of bullying, fighting, vandalism, drinking and smoking, but ultimately the main character must decide between right and wrong, and the theme of the film is that the right choice is the proper choice, albeit usually the hardest. My nine-year-old watched this film and I am fine with this choice of mine, but I do not recommend it for those viewers who are younger.

 

Biblical Discussion:

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14

Abel’s Field tells the story of how life can challenge your faith, but relying on your faith to guide your decisions – while not always easy – ultimately places you where you need to be – where God wants you to be. Choices for the wrong reasons (although sometime easier), only lead to places of despair and regret. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Do you recall a time when you opted for the easy road, only to discover later that another choice was a better choice? What did you do to correct it? How did Abel react to his past choices in the film? What did he learn would be a better response?

In Philippians 4:8, it says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” How can this verse help us with our choices? Our Christian faith gives us the courage and assurance that Scripture-based decisions are the correct ones. We can stand firm on these choices, trusting in God’s promises and faithfulness to us.

 

Click here to watch the movie trailer for Abel’s Field Official Trailer

Learn more about the movie critic and filmmaker Dale Ward

To get more details about Abel’s Field visit Christian FIlm Database

 

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Secrets In The Snow – Movie Review

By Dale Ward in Movies, News | 1 Comment
Secrest in Snow Cover
Starring Genre:    Rated:
Hollie Shay, Vincent R. Seidle, Aaron Michael Johnson, Ashley Murray,
Movie SCH Rating
Movie Family Friendly
Review
Adult Content:  Low
Graphic Language:  Low
Nudity:  None
Strong Sexual Content:  None
Violence:  None

Six teenagers and one teacher are stranded overnight in their high school while a blizzard rages outside. The generators go out and the lights and heat go down, while tempers go up and wills are tested, and deep secrets are brought to the surface.  Forced to hang out with people not of your choosing (some whom you don’t even like!) can make things extremely uncomfortable, especially if your guard is let down and the mask you wear tumbles off to reveal what is beneath: grief, insecurity, body image struggles, identity crisis, hidden disease, family bankruptcy, and all the other junk that life serves up.  But as the doors are locked, they are forced to rely on each other to survive the night, and these teens (and one administrator) discover that “getting along” may be the biggest obstacle of all.

Ashley Murray and Hollie Shay in Secrets In The Snow; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

 

These are the Secrets in the Snow, a film reminiscent of the old Breakfast Club, a rich character study that allows viewers to get to know these people and maybe recognize themselves.  For don’t we all experience peer pressure?  Struggle with “who we are?” (Or who we want to be?)  Look for answers without revealing private problems? Or deal with the myriad of other high school (and life) problems?  Maybe this will help us develop a better understanding and more empathy for others (and ourselves?), as we all find blankets to huddle together and stay warm.

There are fun elements, too, of course, because what would you do if you had the entire school to yourself?  Explore the places you’ve never been?  An impromptu talent show?  A basketball version of “Truth or Dare?”  A cafeteria raid?  (How many chips can one guy eat?)

 

Elizabeth Potthast, Ashley Murray, Katie McCaffrey, and Vincent Seidle; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

First time feature director Brittany Goodwin has really challenged herself with this film, and she appears more than ready for the challenge.  Directing ensemble is not the easiest – from keeping all the actors in character and consistent, to keeping the camera moving around without stumbling over itself, Goodwin does a stellar job and is backed up by a strong cast and creative Director of Photography (Tripp Green).

The action is kept moving by utilizing various locations to mix it up, and allow characters a chance to be alone and get to know each other (and us know them, too).  There are some sweet camera angles and nice transitions from Director of Photography Tripp Green.  Especially impressive is the recurring transitional technique of using large objects in the foreground while the action takes place behind it, effectively done with the basketball, and another time with the lamp being shut off.  And I’m still wondering if there was a message in the way the six characters were divided when the principal stood with his back to the camera (or was it just a nice balance)?  Ensemble shooting is especially challenging for the camera, and Green makes good use of rack focusing to direct our attention as needed.

 

Katie McCaffrey, Hollie Shay, and Elizabeth Potthast; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

Secrets in the Snow has a strong cast, although most with only a handful of other productions on their resumes, and further evidence to the ability of director Goodwin.  The veteran of the group is Karen Boles, and she brings great believability as the novice high school administrator who has been stuck “babysitting” the teens:

Vincent R. Seidle is the basketball star that has it all (or does he?)  A cold knock at the door brings one of his secrets to the forefront, but I like how he downplays his first revealed secret, through his acting, yes, but also through the way his character Grayson handles the situation, and hopefully showing others with similar issues an honorable way of dealing with it.

 

Karen Boles and Elizabeth Potthast in Secrets In The Snow; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures


Aaron Michael Johnson is Brant Journigan, the “good kid” from a large family who appreciates what he has and what he needs.  Johnson does an excellent job of softly preaching while not sounding “preachy” – something missing from many faith-based films and greatly appreciated in this film.

Katie McCaffrey is Camille Sanders, the girl no longer the person everyone remembers, changed by growing up and starting high school.  She really brings her self-image struggles to the camera in a way that many others will be able to relate.  Great job!  (And boy, can she sing!  Her “Deck the Halls” is impressive.  Someone needs to sign her up!)

Hollie Shay is MaryJake Harper the poor little rich girl, popular with the class, but none too popular with her new overnighters.  Shay treads the fine line of being a witch while keeping our empathy, and she does a first-rate job of this.

Elizabeth Potthast is the girl struggling with self-image.  Her story is one heard again and again in our society, and hopefully, how others really see her, will be heard by those viewers with the same struggles.  Potthast is perfectly cast in this role of a beautiful woman inside and out, who only needs to realize it.

 

Ashley Murray and Michael Johnson in Secrets In The Snow; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

Ashley Murray plays Anthony Goodwin, the new kid in town who wants to get to know everyone else’s secrets while keeping his own hidden.  Murray does a crackerjack job of revealing his secret slowly and persuasively.

All the characters are well acted, and I really get the feeling that I know these people (and yes, there are people I know who are like them.)

Now for a negative: the biggest downfall of the film is the big outside snow scene – it is obvious this is not blizzard-depth snow.  Maybe some CG on the rooftops would have helped?  Or editing the scene out?  Or placing the scene in the gym – although I get the idea of needing to take the film outside and playing in the snow.  On the flipside, the other snow scenes were handled very well, so this one came as a surprise.

Secrets in the Snow is a totally enjoyable film.  There is a lot to learn, and it’s easy to see yourself and others in these 90 minutes of snowstorm.  I liked not having everything wrapped up pretty and sweet, but still coming away with solid solutions, and, perhaps, a new way of looking at life’s problems and how to deal with them.   The subtle Gospel message was refreshing.  More faith-based films would benefit by mirroring how Secrets in the Snow presented the Word of God and its life-changing message.  Nice use, too, of the Christmas Eve service as the perfect denouement.

Secrets in the Snow is a great film for all ages, especially senior and junior high youth groups (it will ring true for many in this demographic), but even elementary school age children will enjoy this movie.  The accompanying Discussion Guide is a great plus, and perfect for that youth group or Sunday School viewing.  So snuggle up with Secrets in the Snow and get snowed-in at Eastbrook High.

Entire cast of Secrets In The Snow; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

 

The Christian Worldview:

As with many ensemble pieces, there are several worldviews presented (as well there should be), but the Christian worldview is shown as a viable (and the strongest) perspective on how to deal with life and its struggles.  And as such, Secrets in the Snow reflects a strong Christian, moral worldview.  There is no violence, no coarse language, and other than some snarky language and attitudes, Secrets in the Snow is perfect for all ages.  The very young may lose interest, but I watched it with a nine-year-old (who liked it), and a teenager (who also recommends it).

 

Aaron Michael Johnson and Catherine Allen in Secrets In The Snow; courtesy of Every New Day Pictures

 

Biblical Discussion:

“When disaster strikes you – better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away…”
Proverbs 27: 10

 

Secrets in the Snow tells the stories of how faith can help in the midst of life’s problems.  And if we confide in others, we’ll find there are not many differences in each of us, and that everyone battles some sort of problem.  We need each other.  We can help each other.  This is one reason that the church is so important and that gathering together is one key at the heart of Christianity.  God provides us with other people to help us with our struggles, and in turn, we are there to help them.

Jesus says in Matthew 19 (verse 19) to “love your neighbor as yourself.”  When Jesus was asked in Luke 10: 29 “Who is my neighbor?” He replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Read Luke 10: 25 – 37)  Who is your neighbor?  Are our neighbors identical to us?  Though different, how are we all similar?  How can we help each other?

 

The Apostle Paul says to the Romans (Chapter 13, verses 9 and 10)

“Whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Love does no harm to its neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

How do we best exemplify love to others?

 

As the Church on earth, what does God expect of us?  In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

It all seems pretty clear.  Amen.

 

 

Watch the Official Movie Trailer Secrets In The Snow

To learn more about the author of this film visit Dale Ward

For more details about Secrets in the Snow visit Christian Film Database

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Clancy Movie Trailer

By Shay Vaughn in News | 1 Comment

Clancy Miller (Christina Dawn Fougnie, in her movie debut) is an abused 12 year-old with the faith of an angel who runs away to keep from getting taken away by social workers. Out on the streets, she meets up with Nick (Jefferson Moore, The Perfect Stranger), an ill-tempered, homeless veteran.

A corrupt mayor (J. Robert Bailey, Melrose Place), desperate for re-election, privately offers Nick a reward to keep the missing girl out of sight for a few days; the mayor’s secret plan – to ‘find her’ in grand fashion in an attempt to gain favor with the voters, who would view him as a hero.

A scuffle with a loan shark sends Nick and Clancy on the lam to the nearby countryside. There, an unlikely friendship blossoms, as the downtrodden man slowly begins to see the world through the angelic girl’s eyes. In the meantime, the mayor’s ambitions heighten with the prospect of a ‘manhunt across county lines’ and a military style ‘rescue mission’ that plays out as the TV news cameras roll.

 

Read SCH’s review of Clancy by Dale Ward

For more details about Clancy , check out Christian Film Database

 

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