Gigi & Nate Movie Review

I have an adorable film to share with you, 'Gigi & Nate!'  This film is set to release in theaters tomorrow, Friday, September 2, 2022.   I was blessed to receive a prescreener of this film.

Synopsis:  Nate Gibson's life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic.  Moving forwards seems impossible until he meets his unlikely service animal, Gigi - a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey - who helps Nate finds what he needs most: hope.

Details:  This film is written by David Hudgins and directed by Nick Hamm.  It stars Marcia Gay Harden, Charlie Rowe, Josephine Langford, Hannah Riley, Zoe Colletti, Jim Belushi and Diane Ladd.  This film is rated PG-13 and is 114 minutes in length.

My Thoughts: David and I watched this film together and I really enjoyed it.  I love how this film emphasizes the bond between animals and humans, specifically Gigi & Nate.  After Nate becomes a quadriplegic, Nate's mother looks for him a therapy animal when he seems to have no hope.  While everything was far from perfect, Gigi & Nate learn to trust each other over time and Gigi begins to really help Nate with some of his essential therapy as well as emotional support.  It’s truly amazing how much an animal can impact a life as shown by GiGi and Nate!  Even when this duo is threatened, they find a way to stay together.

Want to know more?  Enjoy the official movie trailer below.

Be sure to engage with Gigi & Nate on social media below.

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Media for providing me with an advanced screener of this film to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

REDEEMING LOVE Movie Review

I recently shared with you that REDEEMING LOVE is coming to theaters January 21, 2022.  It's a story of the power of unconditional love based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, which is inspired by the Biblical Book of Hosea with its central theme of God's redeeming love, even towards sinners.

Movie Synopsis:  Angel expects only pain from those around her.  Sold into prostitution as a child, Angel survives with hatred towards herself and the men that use her.  She meets Michael Hosea, a farmer who believes God wants Angel to be his wife.  Dire circumstances force Angel to accept his proposal, but when Michael defies her bitter expectations, her wounded heart begins to mend.  As Angel encounters a love unlike anything she has ever experienced, feelings of unworthiness and shame cause her to run from a life she doesn't think she deserves.  As Michael sets out to find her, Angel discovers there is no brokenness that love can't heal.

My Thoughts:  I was blessed with a prescreening of this movie and it did not disappoint.  I must admit though, this is a hard movie to watch on the screen.  There is so much pain and so much darkness (sex, alcohol, prostitution, child abuse, greed, selfishness, etc.), and yet, it is beautifully redeeming.  Michael's persistent love for Angel reminds us of God's pursuit for our hearts.  For book fans, this movie is extremely accurate and I really appreciate that.  This movie reminds me of the movie PRICELESS, not afraid to tackle tough topics.  Angel is rescued over and over and eventually has to decide for herself which path she is going to walk.  I love this - with God it's not a one and done thing.  He invites us to have a relationship with him, and as most of us know, relationships are not a one-way street.  He is constantly pursuing us, we just need to open our eyes.  Planning on seeing this movie yourself?  Buy your tickets for REDEEMING LOVE here.  And be sure to check out the movie trailer below.

Disclosure:  Many thanks to Universal for providing me a prescreening of this movie for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

The Grizzlies Trailer & Giveaway

{Special Update - “Unfortunately due to the current recommendations around the Covid-19 virus, Elevation Pictures has decided to postpone The Grizzlies from opening in theaters this weekend.   We look forward to bringing the film to theaters and audiences at a later date.” }

I have another upcoming film to share with you, The Grizzlies.  This film has already released in Canada where it stood at #1 for five weeks.  This true story of The Grizzlies is entertaining, inspiring and shares a glimpse of the mental health issues that families and communities are dealing with today.  I do want to note that this film is rated R for language and Adult Themes.  The Grizzlies releases in major market theaters on March 20.

Synopsis: The Grizzlies is a true story based on a group of Inuit students in a small Canadian town who are struggling to find their way.  With not much to do in their tight-knit community, many of them turn to alcohol and drug abuse to drown out their problems.  Russ Sheppard arrives on a one-year teaching contract and unwittingly steps in and the whole town experiences a shift.  Both the students and elders of Kugluktuk grow to lean on Sheppard and allow him to change their lives forever.

Take a look at the trailer below.

You can engage with The Grizzlies on social media @

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Ready for a giveaway?  One reader will win  2 Fandango tickets!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck.

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign and providing the 2 Fandango codes for the giveaway.  By sharing this information with you I will receive 2 Fandango ticket codes.  All opinions are my own.

The Way Back Trailer & Giveaway

I wanted to share with you about the upcoming Warner Bros. film, The Way Back, starring Ben Affleck.  This films is inspirational as well as real and raw as it portrays that hope can be found in second chances.  Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck's character) is struggling with addiction when he is offered a coaching position at his former high school.  He agrees to take the position and ends up finding a sliver of hope for the future and a second chance.  I do want to note that this film is rated R for language as it depicts life as it is, not where we want it to be.  The Way Back releases in theaters nationwide March 6th.

Take a look at the trailer below.

You can engage with The Way Back on social media @

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Twitter

Ready for a giveaway?  One reader will win 2 Fandango ticket codes!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck.

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign and providing the 2 Fandango codes for the giveaway.  By sharing this information with you I will receive 2 Fandango ticket codes.  All opinions are my own.

Overcomer Releases in Theaters August 23rd

I want to share with you the upcoming movie, Overcomer.  This upcoming release is from the creators of War Room, Fireproof and Facing the Giants.  I love the Kendrick Brothers!  I have seen all of their films including their first release, Flywheel.  I'm so excited to see this movie.  Get ready because this films opens nationwide on August 23rd!

Synopsis:  Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team's state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news.  When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team.  Urged by the school's principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn't know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth ... until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with Overcomer, their newest feature following Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, and the #1 box-office hit, War Room.  The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson.  Overcomer dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

To find theaters and get tickets visit https://www.overcomermovie.com/.  While you are there be sure to browse around because there are some great share tools available including a Family Guide (this post-viewing conversation starter guide allows for great teaching opportunities) and a Team Guide (this tool can be used by coaches and small group leaders to have meaningful conversations with students post-viewing).

Check out the trailer below and get excited.

You can engage with the Overcomer Movie on social media @:

Website

Facebook

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Disclosure:  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing me with this information.  I will receive tickets to watch Overcomer in exchange for this post.  Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

UglyDolls Releases Friday, May 3rd

Have you seen the trailer for the upcoming movie UglyDolls?  UglyDolls is an animated adventure in which free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with a desire to be loved, and ultimately discover who you truly are is what matters most.  The film stars Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, and Blake Shelton.

Me when I was younger.

When I was a lot younger I was sometimes teased at school for having red hair.  Although my hair has become more auburn as I age, it was fairly bright orange when I was a kid.  I was often called Carrot Top among other names.  I sometimes hated being different.  And then, when I got into high school I really started to appreciate my red hair.  I liked that not everyone had red hair and it made me unique.  And I grew to love being a redhead.  To this day, I'm thankful that I was born with orange fuzz.  Is there something that makes you different and unique?

Read the full movie synopsis for UglyDolls and check out the trailer below.  Let me know what you think!

Synopsis:  In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrates, strange is special and beauty is embraces as more than simply meets the eye.  Here, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities.  The endearingly unique residents of Uglyville occasionally look to the sky above the town, where a new UglyDoll will appear and be embraced by the community.

Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there's something - anything - on the other side of the mountain which nestles Uglyville.  Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off to find what's on the other side.  They discover another world - Perfection - a town where more conventional dolls are trained in protocols before they graduate and are sent to the "real" world to find the love of a child.

In Perfection, Moxy and her crew are subject to the manipulations of Lou (Nick Jonas), the perfect doll in charge of training recruits.  Here, the UglyDolls will confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don't have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.  UglyDolls releases in theaters this Friday, May 3rd.




Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a gift card.  All opinions are my own.

Dumbo Releases March 29th

I'm so excited for the release of Disney's Dumbo!  The all-new grand live-action adventure movie expands on the beloved classic story that celebrates differences.  In Dumbo, family is treasured and dreams really take flight!

Me with the movie poster

Synopsis:  In this film, Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus.  But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland.  Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.  Dumbo soars into theaters on March 29th.

This release makes me wonder what I would do If I joined the circus.  I think I would definitely want to care for animals like Dumbo and since I used to be full-time veterinary technician, I think I would be pretty good at it!  I'm more of a backstage kind of person (not center stage) and I would love to help take care of some of the most amazing animals.  Doesn't that sound fun?

Find out more about Dumbo and check out the trailer below.

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a gift card.  All opinions are my own.

Indivisible Movie Review & Fandango Giveaway

I wanted to share with you an upcoming movie, Indivisible, which releases in theaters nationwide tomorrow, October 26th.

Indivisible is a movie based on the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather.  With a strong, faith-filled marriage, the Tuners are ready to follow their calling:  serving God, family, and country.  Fresh from the seminary and basic training, Chaplain Tuner and his family arrive at Fort Stewart.  Yet before the Tuners can even unpack their new house, Darren is deployed to Iraq.  Heather is left taking care of their three young children alone...as well as serving the families of the other deployed soldiers.  Despite a desire to stay connected with their loved ones, the harsh realities of war take a daily toll over the course of the Battalion's extended deployment.  Meanwhile back home, babies are born, kids keep growing, and nerves are frayed with every late night knock on the door.  With deeply etched battle scars, the soldiers' long-awaited homecoming is much different than any of their families anticipated.  Carrying burdens the other can't comprehend, the Turners must decide if they're willing to face one more battle:  the fight to save their marriage.  From the director of The Grace Card and the studio that brought you Fireproof and War Room come Indivisible, the story of one marriage...one family...under God.  The movie stars Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll.

I really enjoyed this movie.  I'm super excited about the increase in faith based movies - we need even more!  I say this a lot but I feel like this movie was extremely relatable.  I have never lived on a service base, nor gone through deployment; yet, I felt like I got it watching this movie.  It's hard.  This movie makes us aware of the staggering divorce rate among those who serve in our country.  And as Darren Turner finds out, even chaplains are not immune to this statistic and possibility.  Thankfully as Darren makes a huge impact in the lives of those he serves his marriage is impacted as well.  This movie is not all butterflies and rainbows but it is powerful and it is truth.  What more could I want?

Check out the trailer below and be sure to enter the giveaway.



Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win 2 Fandango ticket codes to see Indivisible (the codes can only be used for Indivisible).  Enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Disclosure:  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 prescreening of Indivisible in exchange for this review and post.  Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on Cummins Life, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Family Dream Adventures & SMALLFOOT's Upcoming Release

SMALLFOOT releases in theaters September 28th

SMALLFOOT is an adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast (Channing Tatum, Zendaya, LeBron James, Gina Rodriquez, and Danny DeVito)!  SMALLFOOT turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti finds something he thought didn't exist - a human.  News of this "smallfoot" throws a simple Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in an all new story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.

One of our amazing views

This film makes me think of discovery and exploration.  It was about this time last year that we went on a pretty epic family vacation.  We attended a beautiful family wedding in California (D and E were flower girls and F was the ring bearer).  Neither David nor I or any of our children had been to California so it was an extra special trip.  We also threw in a side trip to Disneyland!  On the way home we were able to visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Petrified Forest just to name a few of our stopping spots.

One of the many castles we saw on our honeymoon in Ireland.

When David and I were married we were able to take a pretty amazing honeymoon that included a trip to Ireland.  I had always wanted to go there.  Someday I really hope to take all our kids there.  The land is amazingly beautiful and visiting the castles feels like stepping back in time.  I want my kids to experience this!

Check out the trailer for SMALLFOOT below and let me know what you think.



Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a family prize pack for SMALLFOOT!  All opinions are my own.

Operation Finale Releases in Theaters Today

Have you heard of Operation Finale?  It releases in theaters today, August 29th.  Operation Finale brings to life one of the most daring covert operations in modern history.  This film stars Sir Ben Kingsley and Oscar Isaac.  The film captures the ingenious and brilliantly executed mission to capture Adolf Eichmann, one of the chief architects of the Holocaust.  Fifteen years after the end of World War II, acting on irrefutable evidence, a top-secret team of Israeli agents travel to Argentina where Eichmann has been in hiding together with his family under an alias Ricardo Klement and execute an extremely dangerous abduction.  In attempting to sneak him out of Argentina to stand trial in Israel while being pursued by the country's right-wind forces, agent Peter Malkin is forced to engage Eichmann in an intense and gripping game of cat-and-mouse with life-and-death stakes.  Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think.

Going the Distance & Creed II Movie Trailer

Creed II releases in theaters November 21st

Was there ever a time you struggled to "go the distance" - whether in a sport, school subject, or just overcoming a difficult challenge/time in life?  This November, Rocky and Creed, who on screen inspired us all to "go the distance," and fight for our dreams returns to the big screen to face their biggest challenge yet - both on and off the ring.

For me, I am inspired to "go the distance" with my children and in my parenting.  It is such a journey and I am so far from figuring it out but I see the worth in it.  I want to help shape, nurture and grow my children into amazing human beings.  There are times I want to check-out, I feel like I don't have what it takes but those are the times to press in.  Next time I see my children in a squabble or find myself in the throws of a parenting challenge I am going to hum the Rocky theme song and see if it helps me get my perspective back, just a thought.

Check out the trailer for Creed II below and let me know what you think.



Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a $40 gift card.  All opinions are my own.

Memories & Beyond The Sun Movie Release {$50 Amazon Giveaway}

My Dad

Some of you may know but a little over a month ago my Dad unexpectedly passed away.  It was sudden and very shocking for all of us.  If I am honest with you, I think I am still in a state of shock.  Grief is a hard thing.  I miss him a lot.  I think about all the soccer games that my Dad took me to.  I think about the time he strapped the Christmas tree to the top of our van and helped support it with his hand sticking out the driver window.  I remember the tree falling off the car and telling him so but my Dad insisted that he was still holding it so it couldn't have fallen off.  When we rolled into our driveway my Dad was holding a small branch from our Christmas tree.  It was pretty funny.  I learned from my Dad that it's okay to laugh at yourself sometimes.  I think of how much he loved all of his grandchildren and that makes me smile.  You are missed Dad.

I want to share with you about an upcoming children's adventure movie that features a special appearance by Pope Francis and sponsors an exciting contest to Italy!  Beyond the Sun is a modern-day fairy tale of hope, faith, and courage based on stories from the Bible.  The family movie chronicles the adventures of four young friends in search of God.

The film just released across multiple platforms including iTunes, Amazon, and TUGG.  There is also a special contest where one lucky winner will have an opportunity to win an exclusive private tour of the Vatican and front row tickets to an audience with the Pope for four!  If you have ever wanted to visit Italy and the Vatican, this is your chance!  Check out more about this giveaway and enter to win here.  Good luck!

Check out the Beyond the Sun trailer below.



Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign and providing the $50 Amazon gift card for the giveaway.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a $50 gift card.  All opinions are my own.

Life Matters (Wraith Releases on DVD May 8th)

I have a doozy to share with you today, Wraith.  Wraith is a supernatural thriller that explores the story of a family who invites evil into their home after they decide they may not go forward with an unplanned pregnancy.  The film reminds us that God always protects and provides, and that protecting life is always the right choice.  If you didn't know, I am an advocate for pro-life.  I know that there are situations that can become very complicated with pregnancies whether it's circumstantial (attacks) or physical (illness) but I do believe in protecting and valuing those yet born.

Michael O. Sajbel wanted to take a different take on this sensitive subject.  Sajbel, who is a father of three adopted children, believes in the sanctity of all life.  "I had not seen a film about this subject matter presented this way and wanted audiences to have fun with a little twist but to also incorporate a very important message about valuing all life no matter how complicated it can get.  We see the Lukens couple struggle with this decision about whether they can afford another child and Mrs. Lukens age and how there could be medical complications and her overall concerns with having a baby at her age.  I wanted to convey that no matter what - God provides and the value or protecting an innocent life.  Wraith gives us a chance to present this important message in a very unique way."

As a Mom of seven, I definitely understand the question that people raise whether they can afford children or whether they are equipped to bring a life into this world.  The honest truth (which you have probably heard a lot) is that if people waited till they could afford children or plan every possibility that could arise most couples would probably not have them.  One of the beauties of having children is the unknown, this is also one of the most difficult things as well.  They are not alike and they do not come with manuals.  However, I know my Creator.  I learn more about Him every day through my children and the humbling job of being a parent.  Being a Mom is one of the scariest things I have ever done but also the most rewarding.  What are your thoughts on this?  I'd love to hear them!

Official Synopsis for Wraith
Wraith noun: a ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen after, or shortly before, their death
Something is very wrong in the Lukens' house.
After living uneventfully for years in their historic home, the Lukens family have somehow awakened a ghostly presence.  Who is this frightening spirity and why won't it leave their 14 year-old daughter, Lucy, along?
Everything changes when Dennis and Kate Lukens discovered they were pregnant again.  Expecting in your 40's is always high-risk and dangerous, so when the Lukens decide all options are on the table - including termination - the unexpected starts to happen.  Sinister forces are now conspiring against the family.  But is this eerie, wraith-like spirit actually trying to haunt them...or help them?

Wraith is available on all VOD platforms and Blu-ray/DVD tomorrow, May 8th.  It has a PG-13 rating and is a supernatural thriller.

You can learn more about Wraith here.

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a $50 gift card.  All opinions are my own.

Patience Is A Virtue And The Miracle Season Trailer

I wanted to share The Miracle Season trailer with you today.  The Miracle Season releases in theaters April 6th and I'm excited to see it, just a few more days!

The movie is about tragic loss but also how we can find hope and light is some of the darkest seasons we face in life.  When C first started baseball, he was taught the basics.  On his first few teams they didn't count runs, they didn't count outs, everyone got to hit and run the bases.  This was great for learning the game but then C wanted to play "real" baseball.  So we switched leagues.  He was on a team that didn't win a single game.  And C learned how to lose gracefully and cheerfully.  It was character building in a great way.  Although that was a tough season C was patient and stuck with the game he loves.  He has been on several teams now, always diligent to show up for practices and games and hoping to play well.  And he has had some amazing coaches along the way.  C is now on the best team he has ever been on.  The other night he hit a double at his at bat and I couldn't be more proud of him.  It's not the winning or losing that matters the most.  It's how you play the game and more importantly how you treat others while doing so.  I'm grateful for all that baseball is teaching my son.

As promised, check out the trailer for The Miracle Season below.



Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a $30 gift card.  All opinions are my own.

A Wrinkle In Time Releases in Theaters Today, March 9th

If you haven't heard, A Wrinkle In Time arrives in theaters today, March 9th!  This was one of my absolute favorite books growing up so I am excited to see how the movie compares.  I'm a little nervous to see what adaptations are made but hopefully the heart of this book (and series) is conveyed.  I remember being blown away by the concept of a tesseract so it will be fun to see how it is portrayed on the big screen.

Synopsis of Wrinkle In Time:  From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney's "A Wrinkle In Time," an epic adventure based on Madeleine L'Engle's timeless classic that takes and audience across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light, good versus evil, and ultimately, the triumph of love.  The film stars Reese Witherspoon, Oprah, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, and Storm Reid as "Meg Murry."

Check out the trailer below.

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  By sharing this information with you I will receive a $25 Fandango gift card to see this film.  All opinions are my own.

Forever My Girl Movie Trailer

Have you heard of Forever My Girl?  It's a film about second chances and finding your way back home.  It's a romance film and perfect for those who believe in courtship and love enduring all things.  The amazing music soundtrack included CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Lauren Alaina, Travis Tritt, and Alex Roe who stars in the film as country star "Liam Page."  In Forever My Girl music super-star Liam Page leaves his bride, Josie, at the altar choosing fame and fortune instead.  However, Liam never got over Josie nor did he forget his Southern roots and the small community where he was from.  When he unexpectedly returns home after tragedy, Liam is faced with the consequences of all that he left behind.  This uplifting film about second chances releases in theaters on January 19th, 2018.

In the age of social media and dating apps, courtship can seem so different from what I think of and imagine.  David and I had more of a traditional courtship during our relationship.  Believe it or not, we didn't rely on cell phones to text or communicate.  Now don't get me wrong, cell phones and social platforms can be a tool to use but they are not as powerful as good old face to face communication.  Make sure to spend time with your loved ones and put away the phones.

Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think.

Paddington 2 Release Date and Movie Trailer

I have a fun upcoming movie to share with you, Paddington 2!  Here is the synopsis - Following the worldwide hit Paddington, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.  While seeking the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy's hundredth birthday, Paddington discovers a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it.  But when the book is stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.  This films stars Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sally Hawkins (Jayne Eyre), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia) and Ben Whishaw (The Hollow Crown) as the voice of Paddington.

This film releases in theaters January 12th!

Check out the Paddington 2 movie trailer below and let me know what you think!

The Miracle Season - Upcoming Film

I want to share with you about an upcoming movie, The Miracle Season.  It is produced by LD Entertainment which brought us Risen and Soul Surfer.  This film stars Helen Hunt, William Hurt, Erin Moriarty and Danika Yarosh.

This film is based on the inspiring true story of West High School girls' volleyball team.  After the tragic death of the school's star player, the remaining players must band together under the guidance of their tough-love coach in hopes of winning the state championship.  The Miracle Season will release in theaters everywhere on April 13, 2018!

Check out the trailer below and remember to be on the look out for this film next April!

The Man Who Invented Christmas Premeirs November 22nd & Giveaway

My favorite holiday is quickly approaching.  And while Thanksgiving is next I am actually referring to Christmas.  I love all the red and green, holiday music and most of all the spirit of giving!  David and I have been long time supporters of several different organizations.  I would like to highlight two of them:  Mobile Loaves and Fishes and H.E.A.R.T.  

Mobile Loaves and Fishes' food truck volunteers in Austin hit the streets 7 nights a week, 365 days a year to provide food, clothing, hygiene products and other necessary items to those in need.  Mobile Loaves and Fishes is the largest prepared feeding program to the homeless and working poor in Austin, Texas and it's an amazing organization.

The H.E.A.R.T. Program which stands for Housing, Entrepreneurship And Readiness Training was founded in order to create new opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential.  Since opening their program in 2006, this non-profit has served hundreds of people in the Houston area.  I love their philosophy that everyone deserves the opportunity to excel and experience the sense of pride and accomplishment that is achieved through education and employment.

Would you consider giving to one of these amazing organizations this Christmas season?  Not only will you bless others, you will feel good doing it!

Now, I want to tell you about an upcoming family movie, The Man Who Invented Christmas, which releases in theaters November 22nd.  Christopher Plummer from The Sound of Music stars alongside Dan Stevens from Beauty and the Beast and Downton Abbey in this film that tells the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters from "A Christmas Carol."  This film shows how Charles Dickens combined real life inspirations with his amazing imagination to create unforgettable characters and a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season.

Check out the behind the scenes Film Featurette below.

               

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a DVD combo pack which includes The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, and A Christmas Carol.  Awesome right?  Just enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Grace Hill Media for selecting me for this campaign and providing the prize for this giveaway.  As part of this campaign I will receive my own DVD combo pack.  All opinions are my own.

THE PROMISE Releases in Theaters Today

I want to tell you about THE PROMISE, an epic and poignant film starring Academy-Award winner Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Nativity Story), Marwan Kenzari and Charlotte Le Bon.  This movie looks so good and it releases in theaters today - Friday, April 21st.

Synopsis:

It is 1914. As the Great War looms, the mighty Ottoman Empire is crumbling. Constantinople, the once vibrant, multicultural capital on the shores of the Bosporus, is about to be consumed by chaos.

Michael Boghosian (Oscar Isaac), arrives in the cosmopolitan hub as a medical student determined to bring modern medicine back to Siroun, his ancestral village in Southern Turkey where Turkish Muslims and Armenian Christians have lived side by side for centuries.   Photo-journalist Chris Myers (Christian Bale), has come here only partly to cover geo-politics.  He is mesmerized by his love for Ana (Charlotte le Bon), an Armenian artist he has accompanied from Paris after the sudden death of her father.

When Michael meets Ana, their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between the two men.  As the Turks form an alliance with Germany and the Empire turns violently against its own religious and ethnic minorities, their conflicting passions must be deferred while they join forces to survive even as events threaten to overwhelm them.

Promises are made and promises are broken.  The one promise that must be kept is to live on and tell the story.

THE PROMISE is directed by Academy-Award winner Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, Hart’s War).

This makes me think of my amazing husband, David.  He truly is my best friend and my everyday hero.  His presence is a blessing in so many ways.  I appreciate everything he does from the small things to the giant ones.  My life is brighter and so much better with him in it.  I love that David sees most things in black and white, where I tend to have a gray zone.  He helps keep me grounded and I know I can count on him to stand-up for the truth and speak out against injustice.  I cannot imagine loving anyone more than I love him and I would lay down my life for him if need be.

I was blown away when I watched the trailer for THE PROMISE - it's powerful.  Check it out below.  I can't wait to see this movie!