When Calls The Heart, DVD reviews

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: September 8, 2015
• Run Time: 84 minutes

• ASIN: B00YTSH1YC

OVERVIEW

From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place) and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media). 


Jack and Elizabeth leave Hope Valley and rush back to the city of Hamilton when they learn that Jacks’ brother, Tom, was involved in an automobile accident... with Elizabeth’s sister, Julie! But Tom and Julie are hiding something about the incident, a deceit that puts Jack and Elizabeth at odds with their families… and with each other. Their trip is further complicated when Tom and Julie endeavor to run off together (via train this time) and Elizabeth’s father offers Jack a job: an offer that puts Jack and Elizabeth’s fledgling romance in peril yet again.

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: October 13, 2015
• Run Time: 84 minutes
• ASIN: B0112HPTSC

OVERVIEW:


While Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship has cooled following their arguments in Hamilton, Jack is hot on the trail of a counterfeiter right in Hope Valley! When he finds the culprit, a two-fisted brawl ensues as Jack apprehends the man. Seeing Jack in danger prompts Elizabeth to confront her feelings and seek him out… but she inadvertently sets Rip, Jack’s dog, loose at the same time. As a violent storm bears down on Hope Valley, Jack and Elizabeth search for Rip and take shelter in an old mineshaft together. But the storm won’t be escaped so easily, and the unstable shaft begins to collapse…


My thoughts on both offerings:


My family has enjoyed very much this series inspired by Janette Oke's novel of the rugged Canadian frontier. From the exclusive behind the scenes interviews it appears the actors also feels the same and perhaps we might see more episodes in the future!

In these latest two episodes of When Calls The Heart we see a deeper relationship evolving between the honest and trustworthy Mountie and Elizabeth the city born teacher whilst both characters demonstrated their love and care for Hope Valley, the community they live in and its citizens. 
Of course as in any relationship there are always some rocky moments...
And if some of the developments are a little predictable, it is easily forgiven as we find our favourites amongst the series. Let's not forget the great sceneries and beautiful costumes!

There is no denying the chemistry between both main characters is owed to a good script and the sterling reputation of its director! 
When Calls The Heart series 1 and 2 reminds us of Little House On The Prairie, a timeless sitcom any family may sit down with and enjoy even today. 
So When Calls The Heart continues in a tradition of good family entertainment with excellent values for young viewers to grow with at the opposite of Hollywood's often tasteless assaults on our senses!

This Hallmark series is well worth checking if you are looking for something to gather the family around and spend quality time!

5 Stars for both episodes!!


Michael Landon Jr. – Executive Producer:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

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 and COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love and 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.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Adrenaline, DVD review

• Studio: Word Films
• DVD Release Date: September 8, 2015
• Run Time: 93 minutes
• ASIN: B00ZCIQ3U6

OVERVIEW:

After a crash leaves him paralyzed, drag racer Joseph Jenkins thinks his life is over. But his hospital roommate Elijah slowly gives him new perspective. When he returns home, his Uncle Paul gets him competing again---and winning. But can he face his nemesis Jason Skynard, the man he was challenging when the accident happened?

My thoughts:

Sometime life takes such a turn we think all is over and it is certainly the case for Joseph when he crashes and finds himself in hospital. 
There is however no rain without a rainbow and meeting Elijah is definitively the turnover point in Joseph's life who reluctantly learns to appreciate the older man's humour as he waits patiently for a heart transplant. For Elijah, everything is possible with God by your side, even the strength of living in and out of hospital for the last 40 years.
For Joseph, life without the thrill of racing feels hopeless but his friendly therapist tells him there is always hope and with hard work, nothing is impossible.

This is story that will touch you on many levels even if you are not into drag racing! John Schneider brings us as usual his own brand of faith and the supporting cast showcases well all the emotions each of the characters feels as the story develops.

I give it a 4 stars!

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 and 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/Veggie Tales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Good Thoughts

(Photo source Google)

Sometimes on the way to your dream you get lost 

and find a better one!

When Calls The Heart: Heart Of The Family

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: August 4, 2015
• Run Time: 88 minutes

OVERVIEW:
(From AMAZON)

From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy) and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media). 


Elizabeth returns to Hope Valley and immediately volunteers to look after a neighbor’s rural homestead… and his two children, an undertaking which proves to be a bigger chore than she’d imagined. But when Jack lends a hand, and they wind up chatting by the fire, all seems right in Hope Valley and the world. Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Bill Avery sets about busting a counterfeiting ring wide open, an endeavor which surprisingly leads him to Hope Valley, where he mysteriously declines Jack’s help. But Bill isn’t the only big-town visitor: Elizabeth is even more surprised to see her former suitor, Charles Kensington, standing right in the middle of her schoolhouse!

MY THOUGHTS:

Gather the family together (no electronics allowed), a cup of something sweet and warm and enjoy one of the latest episodes of this well known series!
Michael Landon Jr. directorial talents and Janette Oke's inspirational novel comes to life once more in this episode and the actors are so likable, you cannot but get into the story. In fact it is a toss between that beautiful Mountie uniform and the ladies' finery!

This is everything in one: a bit of romance, an adventure and a lesson for any of us: together as a family, we can overcome obstacles no matter how trivial or serious. 

This is one of those series which you might say is timeless, the scenery featured is breathtaking and the ladies' costumes continues to be a hit with any romantic! 

This one was a 5 Stars!


Michael Landon Jr. – Executive Producer:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

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.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

For Lucienne

(Photo source HERE)

You probably know how it feels...Wherever you are, you find yourself yearning to be elsewhere...

SKYPE helps of course but it is not the same as being near your loved ones. And sharing daily news means you feel what the others experience and you want to help, knowing all you can do from afar is offer prayers and encouragement.

And sometime you are so thoroughly confused you need a little help...just to keep sane...

I found the above print and could not resist sharing: it features a Corgi and MAC the Corgi gave his seal of approval!

And now I repeat...again and again...

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

(Source St Francis prayer)

Note: This post was written for a dear friend who only a few months after being the victim of a hit and skip accident (yes, the driver actually left the scene) and suffered countless brain surgeries as a result now slipped in the bathroom and broke a vertebra... 

Our prayers goes to you Lucienne!

Ucommon: Find Your Voice, DVD review

Overview:

When the students of Rosewood High School lose their theater, music and dance departments due to budgets cuts, they create their own. Struggling to find the right script, music & choreography the students get advice from an uncommon source; the Bible!

Each student becomes uniquely influenced as they discover that God takes them personally. Equipped with unique talents, they bond together to prepare the perfect production by exploring the diversity of parables taught in the Bible. Fighting overwhelming challenges, the teens fight against political correctness to defend their privilege to worship, meet and perform.

Will months of constant bullying by the establishment defeat the production and dismantle their faith?Armed with expert legal counsel and unexpected help from Christian music’s finest, these teens realize what it means to be…UNCOMMON!

My thoughts:

Released on 1 Septembre 2015 Uncommon is definitively the sort of movie reminding you that we too often take the path of least resistance. Why else have we failed to oppose a school system where God has no place?

When do we take a stand for what we believe into? When do we fight back and really show our children what can be achieved when we 'love one another as He loves us'?

The story behind this movie is not the sort that will break the box offices by all means but you will remember and appreciate the earnest acting and familiar faces. The heartening message behind UNCOMMON will inspire anyone who believe in peace.  Our world has turned a blind eye on violence and bullying too often, particularly in our schools. Let's share this movie with any young adult to show them it is 'cool' to make a difference and fight for what is right!

A good family movie earning 5 stars! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

We Shall Never Forget...

"The future beckoned and it looked promising. That promise was quickly dimmed, however, on a bright, sun-filled Tuesday morning in September when four airliners were hijacked.

Two of the aircraft struck the financial nerve center of America, one struck at the heart of the U.S. Armed Forces and the final airliner, allegedly aimed at the very head of our government, slammed into the Pennsylvania countryside.

On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly  3,500 people lost their lives in less time than it takes to watch the average movie. The world was changed forever."

(Photo source and excerpt HERE)

So much has been written about that fatal day yet how to express the bewilderment and sadness which follows...

In thoughts and prayers with the many families who faced such a tragedy,

A Moment Of Silence...

(Photo source Google)

"The Peace park in the heart of Hiroshima fell silent on Thursday morning as more than 55,000 people marked the moment at 8.15am, 70 years earlier, when the atomic bomb exploded over the city and thrust the world into the nuclear age.

Bells then tolled and white doves were released into skies that were as clear blue as they had been on the morning of August 6 1945 when the US bomber, Enola Gay, flew over Hiroshima..."

(Source: Leo Lewis - Hiroshima)

(Photo source Google)

 

Let's never forget and work harder than ever to bring

PEACE to our world

FOR OUR CHILDREN!

Learning Yet Again...

You know you are getting 'older' when you start analyzing most of  what you have accomplished in the years past...I say older tongue in cheek of course as most of us prefer to think of ourselves as getting wiser...I for one have noted often the two do not go hand in hand...Ahem...

And speaking of camera, as promised I have taken regularly photos I wish to share with readers but...
guess who forgot the cable necessary to download photos on a computer before posting them??! Hoping it does not come with Pony Express, I should be able to remedy this oversight sometime in the near future (Please Daughter, remember your ol' Mum!!)

A hot Summer for most of us (try no A/C), colourful flowers blooming everywhere, tiny birds singing in the trees (yes, even in the city!) and people chatting late in the night trying to cool themselves on balconies and small parks tucked here and there...
From one side of the ocean to an other, lives resembles each other if you count your blessings as well as your shadows...

A warm Hello to everyone from Brussels,

(Photo source Telegraph.co.uk)

Wisdom...

(Photo source Google)

Wisdom is a pearl found only in still waters.

Memories...

It is said that memories define us and shape us. Amongst those I would rate letters and postcards, little notes to remind us of special occasions or just quotes...and those souls we touched and cannot forget...

Of course...

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains, another a moonlit beach, a third a family get together...

'Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land mine hidden under the weedy mass of years.
Hit a tripwire of smell and memories explode all at once. A complex vision leaps out of the undergrowth.'

(Source Here)

For me it is often colours, field flowers or more particularly the dried flowers bouquets my Grandmother placed around the house. An avid walker, she always came home with a few blooms picked along the country roads...

Then there is the bakeries...Ah the smell of fresh baked bread...and the choices...

And the visual memories...

Let's not forget the chocolates of our childhood...

Sharing a little of what I am rediscovering little by little...

Until the next time,

(Photo source Google)


I find myself in a romantic mood and wondering...

If I strewed the path from here to there with all the flowers of Spring, would you follow it and find the way to me?
Would you try?

Happy Sunday,

In A Child's Eyes...

Self-esteem is the real magic wand that can form a child’s future. A child’s self-esteem affects every area of her existence, from friends she chooses, to how well she does academically in school, to what kind of job she gets, to even the person she chooses to marry.

STEPHANIE MARTSON, The Magic of Encouragement

The Father's Love, DVD review

• Actors: Angela Lin, Erik McKay, Raushanah Simmons, Jordan Turchin
• Directors: Sharon Kon
• Studio: Word Films
• DVD Release Date: May 19, 2015

SYNOPSIS:

Sarah, an aspiring filmmaker meets the man of her dreams. Charming, handsome, and wealthy, Reece becomes her world. As their story unfolds, Sarah is taken on a journey of heartbreak and forgiveness, exploring the meaning of her relationships both past and present.


My thoughts:


In this DOVE approved film Sarah is working hard to make her way in the Big Apple and is having a lot of fun doing so. Behind the big smile and fun loving attitude there is also pain: As a little girl she saw her Dad leave their home, never to come back and she is hurting still.
When she meets Reese and falls in love, she is so happy she does not see the warning signs that not all that glitters is gold.

The Father's Love is the story of a broken heart and finding a shoulder to lean on when things are getting tough, that of God.
I cannot say I enjoyed the movie as entertainment yet I found the forgiveness ending comforting. Finally the actors tried hard but Sarah's journey of self discovery of real love and dignity was far too long for me. 


I give it 3 stars!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Virtuous, DVD review

• Actors: Erik Estrada, Brandy Allison, Kelly Bowling, Erin Bethea, Ben Davies, Jessica Lynch
• Studio: Capitol Christian
• DVD Release Date: June 2, 2015
• Run Time: 110 minutes

SYNOPSIS:


(From AMAZON):

When a young woman, Simone Burner (singer/songwriter, Brandy Allison), is accused of murdering the man who assaulted her, she seeks out the help of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada) to prove her innocence. 
A ruthless and corrupt prosecutor engages her in a trial that brings the past she has longed to escape to the forefront of her defense. 
Virtuous will inspire and ignite you to live the principles of Proverbs 31 faith, integrity, wisdom and honor.








MY THOUGHTS:

Albeit Virtuous was initially recommended as starring Erik Estrada, it is Jessica Lynch's name which ultimately caught my daughter's attention. Personally, I always appreciate the opportunity to introduce new Christian movies in view of the doubtful choices offered by Hollywood myself.

This latest Dove Foundation approved film shows different women challenged by abuse under different circumstances, be it bodily or verbal and their triumph over adversity.
We are reminded of the virtues listed under Proverbs 31, a true celebration of womanhood and an inspiration to all of us, young and old.

Finally, whilst the acting was nothing exciting, I found the scenario interesting and the songs very pleasurable.

Due to thematic contents, I would recommend it to older teens and family viewing. 
Check out the special features.
Overall, I give it 4 stars.


About JCFilms:

(From their website):

JC Films exists to engage our culture through superbly produced faith-based feature films.  

We produce family-friendly narrative films to assist Christ-centered, culturally-changing and well-established churches and non-profit organizations to spread their message through feature films.

Basically, we write, cast, and produce amazing films for astonishing ministries to help get their message out! There is a great need to engage this culture with films that deliver a message of eternal truth.  

And the truth is this: movies with strong Christian viewpoints are gaining popularity.  We just need more of them.  

Not just films that entertain but, films that change lives!  We believe there is an urgent need for top-quality, thought provoking and challenging films to help educate and attempt to preserve our culture.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.