Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Momentum Review: Vindication Season 2 And A GIVEAWAY!

 


A couple of weeks ago I shared with you a new police drama series on Pure Flix called Vindication.  Season 2 is now airing, with a new episode released each Wednesday.  I am enjoying Season 2 even more than Season 1, as the plot between the episodes is more contiguous, and there is a cliffhanger at the end of each episode that keeps my interest piqued.

A few days ago, I finally got a chance to watch Episode 5, "Game of Life," which first aired last Wednesday.  The transition from last week's cliff-hanger, where Becky first met Anthony, to where he was at the beginning of this episode, was a little abrupt.  It feels like a major plot point that should have been developed a little more.  That said, I enjoyed getting to know the new character, Anthony, in this episode, as well as seeing Precinct 2 and Precinct 1 share in a little healthy community competition!

The characters in this drama feel true-to-life and the plot stays interesting.  If you haven't been keeping up with Vindication as it comes out each week, take some time to binge-watch it this weekend!  Speaking of which, I need to go catch Episode 6, which aired tonight!

Have you been watching the show?  Need a subscription to Pure Flix to do so?  A low monthly fee will get you quality, clean programming for the whole family.  OR you can comment below or on my Facebook page to win a FREE 6-month subscription to Pure Flix!  Drawing will be held Wednesday, October 6.

Already have Pure Flix?  Watch the show here:  https://hubs.li/H0X32r90

#VindicationMIN

Disclaimer:  Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a 3-month subscription in exchange for this review and post.



Friday, September 24, 2021

Momentum Review: Courageous Legacy and a Drawing!


THE MOVIE YOU LOVE, AT A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

Ten years ago this fall, COURAGEOUS opened in theaters across the world. Filled with heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and powerful inspiration, COURAGEOUS has entertained and impacted families across the globe for the past decade.

Now, from the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes COURAGEOUS LEGACY, the remastered, special-edition release for a new generation. This updated version of the film includes an enhanced look and sound along with impact stories, new scenes, and a new bonus ending you don’t want to miss! Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and spread the word. It’s time to head back to the theaters!

I had a chance to watch this old favorite with a new ending this week, and it was as excellent as I remembered!  For those of you who have been fans for the past 10 years, this is a great chance to see the movie all over again on the big screen in the theater and to find out what has happened with some of your favorite characters.  For those of you who have never seen this movie (or like my children, saw it when you were young but don't remember it), go see it now!

While pastoring a church in Georgia, Alex Kendrick, who also had a background in communications, read a survey indicating that films were more influential than churches in changing public opinion.  He and his brother Stephen then began to write and produce movies that would impact the world for Christ.  In addition to Courageous, they have produced Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, The War Room, and Overcomer

While I believe that people and the church must be instrumental in introducing individuals to Christ and really changing people's lives, I also believe that film and media are a powerful tool that Christians should continue to use to spread the Gospel message and impact the world.  Courageous was done well and has become a part of our home library.

Courageous Legacy opened in theaters across the country today!  Go see it!

IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Watch the Trailer HERE

View the Heart Of Courageous Legacy video HERE

Download the Resolution HERE for free! This is a great way for fathers to take the next step and make a commitment to their wives and children.

Watch another fun video from the Kendrick Brothers HERE

BuyTicketsHere:https://tickets.courageousthemovie.com/ 

OfficialWebsite:https://www.courageousthemovie.com/ 

I have TWO FREE TICKETS (Fandango codes) to see this movie in theaters, but there is a quick turnaround on this drawing.  Leave me a comment here or on my Facebook page by SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26 to be entered into the drawing! 

Note: This giveaway is limited to the US only.

Disclaimer:  Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

#CourageousLegacyMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


 

Friday, September 17, 2021

New Share the Memories FREEBIES

 

New STM freebies available this week!
Apple of My Eye Cluster Frame
was created by
Karen Schulz
Click HERE to see the collection.
Back to School Cluster
was created by
Kimeric Kreations
Click HERE to see the collection.
Click to collect your 1st freebie.
Click to collect your 2nd freebie.
Awesome freebies available for FREE until:
September 19th
Shop other collections by Karen Schulz
Shop other collections by Kimeric Kreations
Happy Scrapping!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Momentum Review: Vindication Season 1

 


According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to vindicate is "to free from allegation or blame." 

Pureflix has just released the second season of their popular crime drama, Vindication, and my son and I binged the first season to get ready!  The ten episodes of the first season did not disappoint.  At the beginning, it looked like each episode was going to be a separate case, and while that was true, later in the season, you started to see background story that was weaving through them all with Detective Travis and his family.  The plot was integrated well and the characters and their issues were believable.

While the show is produced with a Christian worldview and is marketed as teen-friendly, I would interject that it is more for older teens.  The subject matter is dealt with appropriately, but the show does deal with adult themes such as affairs, drugs, human trafficking, and prostitution.  It also deals with teenage relationships and sexting, and if your teen is ready to discuss these topics, it is a good breaking ground for discussion.  I watched Season 1 with my 15-year-old son, and while the plot kept him somewhat interested in watching all the episodes to see what would happen, the show was a bit intense for him; he prefers lighter subjects and a bit of humor.  He hasn't really watched other police dramas.

As crime dramas go, this one is top-notch, and the actors are stellar.  I am excited to see T.C. Stallings join the cast in Season 2!

Next week I will be reviewing an episode of Season 2, and of course there will be a giveaway, so stay tuned!

#VindicationMIN

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Momentum Review: When We Last Spoke And A Giveaway!

 


I was very excited for the chance to review the film When We Last Spoke with two of my favorites, Melissa Gilbert from Little House on the Prairie and Corbin Bernsen from Psych!

Families are wonderful and complicated things.  They all have their secrets, their heroes, their sorrows, and their joys.  When two little girls lost their father in Vietnam and were abandoned by their mother in 1967, they were taken in by loving grandparents.  Even in the most loving families, however, everything is not always perfect.  Misunderstandings and mistakes tear the fabric of relationships.  The road to forgiveness may be long and difficult, but it is worth it in the end!

Follow one family's saga in the delightfully warm movie, When We Last Spoke, based on the book by Marci Henna.  The movie is currently available on Amazon Prime, or visit the website to find all the ways to view this powerful movie with the whole family.  When We Last Spoke recently won Best Picture, Best Narrative, Best Supporting Actor, and more at the Crown Awards at the National Religious Broadcasters 2021 Christian Media Convention!

Would you like to win your own digital code for this lovely movie?  Leave a comment here or on my Facebook page with your favorite memory from the Little House TV or book series!

#WhenWeLastSpokeMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Disclosure: Many thanks to Last Spoke Partners for providing this product/product information for review. 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.   Note: This giveaway is limited to US bloggers only.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Dolphin Island on DVD - Discounted pre-orders available!


 


Enjoy a summer vacation-movie to DOLPHIN ISLAND.  (See March 2021 Review HERE.)

 

Coming to DVD on August 1


A note from the publishers:

 

With the Delta variant rampant and travel restrictions back in place, a movie escape for the whole family is just what we need.


Shot entirely in The Bahamas, DOLPHIN ISLAND is a family-focused film about a girl, her dolphin, and the power of family.

 

The Dove Foundation called DOLPHIN ISLAND "a heartwarming tale of love and accountability." 

 

Directed by Mike Disa (SPACE DOGS, HOODWINKED TOO!).  Produced by Shaked Berenson (SPACE DOGS, A TIGER'S TALE), and written by DisaBerenson, and Rolfe Kanefsky (PUPPY SWAP: LOVE UNLEASHED).

 

Starring Peter Woodward (NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS), Dionne Lea Williams (NO BAD DAYS), Tyler Jade Nixon (DOLPHIN KICK) and Bob Bledsoe (PARK AND RECREATION).

 

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Approved for all ages by Dove and The Coalition for Quality Children's Media, the DVD includes a 16 minutes Study Guide featuring Carthage College’s English Associate Professor, and cast member - Annette Lovrien Duncan.

 

Discounted pre-orders are available on the movie website:

https://dolphinislandmovie.com/dvd/

 

 

 

Follow Dolphin Island on social media for more updates!

 

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Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Momentum Review: Gary Levox One on One!

 


I was so excited to stream songs from Gary Levox's debut album, One on One!  The former lead singer of Rascal Flatts released the EP on May 21st from Big Machine Records, fusing two of his biggest passions - music and faith!  The album features artists including MercyMe, BRELAND, and more!
I received this statement with my review materials:  
When asked about the role God has played in his musical journey, LeVox said, “I feel like God graced us with a platform where we can not only touch people’s lives through music, but by being men of God offstage too,” explained LeVox. “At those times when we are with fans that are going through something like cancer, it is so wonderful to not only sing for them but to hold their hand and pray with them. I want them to know that they have a friend in me. I’m not just some guy on the stage. I feel like Christ has put me in this position because He knew I could handle the obligation, which often means taking the time to lift someone up in prayer.”

This is the kind of faith and attitude I really love to see in a performer.  The music business is difficult, strokes a lot of egos, and leads people to believe they must continually look out for themselves.  It is refreshing to see someone who is so talented, yet so approachable.

Even more importantly, $1 of every purchase goes to fight human trafficking through the Tim Tebow Foundation!!!

My favorite song on the EP is "While I Wait," a duet sung with Levox's daughter, Brittany, who is also a singer/songwriter.

Check out Gary's website here:  https://garylevox.com/.

Stream the album here: https://garylevox.lnk.to/OneOnOneMI

Of course we have a giveaway!  After you stream the album, comment here or on my Facebook page with the title of your favorite song from the EP!  One lucky winner in my drawing on Saturday, June 5, will receive a signed 8x10 poster!

#GaryLeVoxMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Disclosure: Many thanks to Capitol Christian Music Group for providing this product/product information for review.  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.

Happy Listening!

Thursday, March 18, 2021

March Movie Madness - "My Brother's Keeper" and a Giveaway



This week I had the privilege to view My Brother's Keeper.  This movie is more on the serious side and opens your eyes to what some of our military deal with.  The movie centers around Travis Fox (T.C. Stallings), who returns stateside after losing a good friend in war.  Here, he must continue to fight the battle of PTSD while also dealing with the trauma of losing his parents.


Overall, I think this movie did a great job of portraying the soldier's struggle with PTSD, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.  Symptoms and severity may be different for everyone, but Stallings's portrayal sheds an authentic light on this hidden struggle that haunts some of our returning servicemen.  I often hear people use the term "PTSD" lightly, as in, "I am really suffering PTSD from all these exams I've had to take."  Having known people with real PTSD, this always makes me cringe.  First widely recognized after the Vietnam War - although previous war veterans certainly suffered with it just as much, at that time calling it "shell shock" - this mental health condition is crippling to those who have suffered extreme trauma and makes it difficult or nearly impossible for some veterans to adapt back into society upon their return stateside.


T.C. Stallings (Courageous, War Room) is joined in the cast by Joey Lawrence (Blossom, Gimme A Break!) and the lovely Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show).  All three are gifted actors who delivered a great performance.  I loved the movie for showing a realistic view of someone dealing with PTSD rather than trying to tie it all up with a bow at the end and trying to act like one night of prayer healed them.  (A little spoiler alert but not too much):  The character in the movie sought both spiritual healing and medical help, both of which are needed and should not be left out.  Also, while the character had hope, he recognized he was in a long battle that would not be overcome quickly.  It was, however, unrealistic (spoiler alert) that Travis Fox would go right back on an Active Duty deployment immediately after being diagnosed with PTSD and starting medical treatment, and I felt a huge red flag when the therapist started dating a member of her therapy group.  Other than that, I thought it was a great movie and I highly recommend it.  While I've given you a few spoiler alerts dealing with the PTSD issue, there was much more to the plot, and I could not stop for a break once I started the movie!


My Brother's Keeper opens in theaters tomorrow!  Check your local theater for listings.  Watch the trailer here:  https://mbkfilm.com/?vid=YXhoafnfj3

There is also an exciting contest opportunity!  There's an open social campaign (linked below) where you can enter to win a warrior Bible! In addition, you can be entered to win a grand prize Zoom call with the lead actors in the film: T.C. Stallings, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Robert Ri'chard! 


And of course, I have a giveaway right here on my blog!  Comment on this post or on my Facebook page to be entered to win a free digital code to watch the movie!  (The code will be available once the film is released on home entertainment.)  Drawing will be held Tuesday, March 23!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. 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.

#MyBrothersKeeperMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork




Friday, March 12, 2021

March Movie Madness - "Church People" and a Giveaway

 


It is recurring theme in American churches.  Many of us grew up in small churches, sang hymns, sat on wooden pews, read the King James Version, and stood as the ushers brought the plates forward, singing the Doxology.  So our reaction - especially those of us who grew up in the 80s, during the coming-of-age of the Christian pop music genre - is to put on a big concert.  What can we do to overcome the old traditional ways and bring people in?  We have to bring them in and then just give them a morsel of truth while they are here.  Bigger is better.  More music.  More lights.  More flashy.  Bring in the smoke machines.  More, more, more!  When does it stop?  Forty years later, we are looking at church services becoming rock concerts, and we are wondering, Isn't the Gospel enough?

That's the question youth pastor Guy Sides is asking as PR people rain down beach balls on him on stage and bring a Superman costume for him to try on in the middle of his massive book tour.  (The writer in me is wondering how anyone ever got so popular on a book tour!)  He is "America's Youth Pastor."  And he's ready to give up.

Enter Pastor Skip with his tie-dye t-shirt; Tino with his worship and love songs; Carla, the preacher's missionary daughter, returned home with a heartbreak; Blaise, the overly passionate new convert; the mysterious Mabel; and two Baldwin brothers; and you have a full cast of highly exaggerated church stereotypes who represent real people with real issues who are just trying to share the Good News. 

Is the Gospel enough?

Church People is making the list of one of my favorites of the movies I've gotten to review, right up there with Mom's Night Out.  If you love good Christian comedy, you will love this movie!  It is a great lead-in to the Easter season.



Of course, I have a Giveaway!  One lucky winner will receive a digital code for this movie from Momentum Influencers.  To enter, just comment on this post or on my Facebook page by Wednesday, March 17, 2021. 


Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. 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.

#ChurchPeopleFilm #ChurchPeopleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork



Wednesday, March 10, 2021

March Movie Madness - Dolphin Island And A Giveaway!

 


The second movie I had the opportunity to review this month was Dolphin Island, and I loved it!  It has a slow start, but give it a chance and watch it all the way through!  I mean, a feel-good movie about living on a beautiful island with trained dolphins all around?  What could be better?!

From the producers:  
Fourteen-year-old Annabel lives with her fisherman grandfather on an island paradise. She is surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend - a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. It's up to Annabel and her friends to figure out how to save the day and prove that love conquers all!

The movie stars Tyler Jade Nixon as Annabel Coleridge.  I was surprised to find out that Tyler is actually turning 14 this year, the age of her character.  At first I thought she may be an older actress playing a younger part.  Her performance was excellent, and she had great chemistry with Peter Woodward, who played her grandfather, as well as with the other characters.  Of course, the real star of the show is Mitzy!


I was impressed with this film's character development, background music, and plot.  There were some unpredictable twists, which I always like.  While it is a movie about faith and hope, I felt it definitely came from a Christian worldview without awkwardly trying to proclaim itself as a Christian movie, if that makes sense.  It was a movie about real people with real lives who prayed and were blessed by God in a way that seemed natural, not "preachy."

If you wish to use this movie in an educational setting or a small group, there is a free discussion guide to download here:  https://dolphinislandmovie.com/discussion-guide/.  Ms. Annette Lovrien Duncan, who plays Sheryl Williams in the film, shares video clips and devotions.  This movie is fun for entertainment value, however, even without the discussion guide, and will not seem like an educational "school film."

Need more convincing?  Watch the trailer here:  https://youtu.be/SLiED6uT1mM!

And of course, we have a giveaway!  Comment on this blog post or on my Facebook page to win a digital code to see this movie.  There may be a little surprise, so trust me, enter to win by Tuesday, March 16!!

Make sure to follow my blog for more movie reviews this month!



Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. 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.

#DolphinIslandMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Friday, March 5, 2021

March Movie Madness, A Momentum Review, And A Giveaway!

 


Hello, Readers!  It's been quite a while since I've posted, but today we begin March Movie Madness!  I will be posting movie reviews all month and will have several giveaways!



My first Momentum Influencers Review for March is not of a full-length movie, but of a cute new 3-D animated cartoon with a Christian Worldview.  Join Mom, Dad, Kip, Finn, Kara, and Archie Cubekin for a series of adventures where they learn more about following God!  I reviewed the episode "Invasion of the Cubecumbers."  The characters are cute, and I like the word-play around things that are boxes or cubes.  For example, Kara gets three box turtles as pets.  The family prays together, even baby Archie, they attend church, and I like the use of Scripture, which is quoted word-for-word.  I've always looked for things like that for my kids so that the fun entertainment would help them learn what is actually in the Bible, rather than just a vague lesson.  The only thing I wasn't too sure I was crazy about was the depiction of a picture of Jesus in Cubekin form hanging on the wall. 😳

There are also readers and coloring books available, making this a great supplement for homeschool.  Oh, and you can even get - wait for it - plush box turtles to go along with the show, from Kickstarter!


I would classify this show as being good for very young kids, maybe up to age 7 or 8.

Find out more about the Cubekins at https://www.cubekins.com!

Cubekins is an award-winning, wholesome, small-town tale of a rambunctious, seven-year old boy named Kip exploring his ever-changing world, while learning more about his never-changing God.

  • ●  New Christian “Faith-based” Show for Kids, like Veggie Tales set in Mayberry

  • ●  New, fun, family-friendly and faith-based content for children ages 3-8!

  • ●  Created by two homeschool dads and their families

  • ●  Buy/Rent Cubekins Ep. 01 Invasion of the Cubecumbers on the Cubekins website​ (or

    other available streaming platforms)

  • ●  Check out exclusive member content, like coloring books, bonus videos, and more by

    becoming a fan member at cubekins.com! Includes...

    A link to watch/stream our 22 minute Cubekins Pilot and Bonus Songs Content A digital download of our "Kip Loves God" coloring book.
    A digital download of our full color "Kip Loves God" Reader.
    Access to our Members Only section of the Cubekins website

    Access to future Membership perks

  • ●  Dove.org review:​ “Cubekins​ is a great kids show—children will be entertained while

    learning morals from a Christian perspective. Parents need not worry about negativity or inappropriate themes. When looking for a wholesome way to teach and occupy their children, parents can trust Cubekins​ to fulfill those needs.”


Of course, I am having a GIVEAWAY!  Just comment on this post or on my Facebook page to win one free link to the episode (only valid for winners in North America)!  Drawing will be held Friday, March 12.


Disclosure: Many thanks to Brainy Pixel for providing this product/product information for review.  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.  #Cubekins #CubekinsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork