Going to the Movies {+ Giveaway}

Today I’m taking a break from sharing books with you and instead invite you to go to the movies with me.

I have three faith-based DVDs I’d like to tell you about. The movies each feature a different type of plot, but all deal with hope, faith and overcoming the odds. With recent events around our nation and throughout the world, I thought a little inspiration and hope might be in order.

I’m not a movie reviewer. I’m only sharing my thoughts on each DVD and hope you will check them out yourself.

◊ AWAKENED THE MOVIE

◊ Number of Discs: 1

◊ Format: Color, NTSC

◊ Run Time: 107 minutes

◊ Program Type: DVD

◊ Genre: Drama, Horror, Faith-based

◊ Rated: Unrated

◊ Studio: World Films P&D

◊ DVD Release Date: May 3, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1DTMR35A

SYNOPSIS:

         

Newspaper reporter Jacob Harker (Rob Boltin) loses his job, forcing he and his wife, Haley (Gwendolyn Edwards), to move into a small rental house owned by Webster Cain (Michael Monks). In the process of moving in, Jacob discovers a discarded audio recording of 60’s blues singer Carol James (Hannah Hughes). Captivated by the voice on the recording, Jacob becomes haunted by an evil spirit. While the spirit seductively persuaders Jacob, drawing him deeper and deeper into its own malicious plot, the spirit attacks and terrorizes Haley, creating both fear and distrust in the Harker’s home.

Haley sees her husband turning into someone less recognizable each day. How can a marriage survive such attack, deception, and evil? Can the faith of one help restore the condition of another?

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a story of losing one’s way and how easy it can sometimes be to let evil into our hearts and lives.

Whether you believe in evil spirits or not, this movie demonstrates how easily we can be lead astray. The movie shows how doubt can play a major role in our lives. However, it also shows how faith, love and determination can overcome despair.

The actors did a good job of bringing the emotions to life. The movie deals with the issues in a positive manner. While not a huge major production, the movie has heart and relays a message of hope, inspiration and forgiveness.

Awakened The Movie by Word Entertainment LLC, A Curb Company; Written by Eugene Cuevas; Directed by Eugene Cuevas and Brian R. Reed; Produced by Michael Stiles and Scott Perkins; ASIN: B01DTMR35A; Run Time: 107 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - I received this DVD from Edify Media, Inc. in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

*You can see a trailer of AWAKENED by clicking HERE.

◊ CHASING GRACE

◊ Number of Discs: 1

◊ Format: Color, NTSC

◊ Program Type: DVD

◊ Genre: Drama, Faith-based

◊ Rated: Unrated

◊ Studio: World Films P&D

◊ DVD Release Date: May 3, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1CUJ8GUE

SYNOPSIS:

         

A tragic accident threatens to destroy a pastor’s family and sets into motion a complex betrayal between two brothers, while exposing secrets no one wants to face.

          Pastor Jonathan Matheson (Michael Joiner) lives in a world of black and white, yet finds a way to navigate the “grey in-between” to work to his advantage, while facing one of the most tragic moments of his life. Set in small-town America and woven inside a tale of redemption, “Chasing Grace” is a story of how one family takes on the burden of guilt in order to make sense of their loss. While pointing the finger of blame at his brother, Pastor Jonathan also chooses to hide from the truth while trying to escape his own personal demons.

 “Chasing Grace” is loosely based upon true events and provides a powerful story about the redeeming power of forgiveness.

MY THOUGHTS:

The accidental death of a child is the catalyst that sends family members spiraling in different directions. The movie deals with forgiveness and how people handle it while not facing their own issues.

Dealing with alcoholism, violence, revenge and grief, the movie shows how model families can be dysfunctional underneath their perfect exterior. It shows how secrets and lies build and take on a life of their own until they destroy.

The message of forgiveness comes through as the family copes with the loss in their own flawed way.

Chasing Grace by Word Entertainment LLC, A Curb Company; Written and Directed by David Temple; ASIN: B01CUJ8GUE

FTC Full Disclosure - I received this DVD from Edify Media, Inc. in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

*You can see a trailer of CHASING GRACE by clicking HERE.

◊ LIVING HOPE

◊ Number of Discs: 1

◊ Format: Color, NTSC

◊ Run Time: 90 minutes

◊ Program Type: DVD

◊ Genre: Spirituality, Faith, Documentary

◊ Rated: Unrated

◊ Studio: World Films P&D

◊ DVD Release Date: March 1, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1ARYO2XS

SYNOPSIS:

EVEN IN THE DARKNESS OF DESPAIR, THERE IS HOPE

LIVING HOPE is the story of three extraordinary individuals who have devoted their lives to serving the poor in South Africa. It is a feature length documentary created by filmmakers behind Journey to Everest, Apostles of Comedy, and Honoring a Father’s Dream: Sons of Lwala.

JOHN THOMAS, a pastor who is leading his church to serve the sick, hungry, and dying in the communities that surround them. Journey beside John through the neighborhoods where they work, meet the people their ministry has impacted and hear from his heart why they chose to make a stand for the poor.

JOEY LANKFORD, a businessman and father of four who moved his young family from the United States to Cape Town. Journey beside Joey as he equips men and women with job skills, and leads them out of the bondage of poverty.

LEONIE RUSTIN, a single mom and nursing assistant, who turned from a life of crippling drug addiction to follow Christ. Journey beside Leonie as she attempts to help others in her community unshackle the chains of addiction and prostitution.

MY THOUGHTS:

These three stories show how a few individuals can have such a huge impact on the lives of so many.

These individuals have surrendered their lives to help the less fortunate in South Africa. Their work inspires and gives hope to those in despair. The DVD shows how their efforts have touches so many.

The movie explores how these individuals – coming from different backgrounds – make a difference daily and why. The movie shows the depth of need in the area where they are. The stories will touch and remain with you long after the movie ends.

Living Hope by Word Entertainment LLC, A Curb Company; Narrated by Joel Smallbone; Written by Mitchell Galin and David Kiern; Directed by David Kiern; Produced by Mitchell Galin and David Kiern; ASIN: B01ARYO2XS; Run Time: 90 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - I received this DVD from Edify Media, Inc. in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to Elliott and the wonderful folks at Edify Media, I have a DVD to giveaway. The winner will select which one of the three DVDs featured they want. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, June 26.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out these fascinating DVDs. Do you enjoy a story or movie that inspires you and gives hope? Do you have a favorite movie that has inspired you?

a Rafflecopter giveaway