New On DVD
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The Greening of Whitney Brown. This PG-rated coming-of-age family comedy comes to DVD in January. Starring Aidan Quinn, Brooke Shields, Kris Kristofferson and Sammi Hanratty as Whitney, was written by Gail Gilchriest (My Dog Skip) and directed by Peter Odiorne.
FILM SYNOPSIS: The story follows a spoiled pre-teen from Philadelphia who is forced to move to the country when her parents feel the squeeze of economic hard times. A fish out of water, far from her comfort zone, she befriends an amazing horse and undertakes an unexpected journey back to the simple life, only to discover that her family is her true home.
REVIEW: I viewed the screener copy with my niece and two nephews, (ages 5, 10, 13) and was pleasantly surprised that they became as involved as I did. It helped to have pros like Aidan Quinn, Brooke Shields and Kris Kristofferson, but the real star is Bob the horse. Well trained, but there was a real affection between the animal and young Ms. Hanratty (Good luck with that name, kid.)
Aimed at preteen girls, there’s enough slapstick to keep their brothers amused, as well. And parents will be glad to learn that it’s a clean film, with positive messages about how to treat others and that any place is home, so long as you are surrounded by family, and that often trials become blessings in disguise.
Distributed by ARC Entertainment, the tween comic adventure is rated PG (two uses of the expression “Oh my God,” the girl falls from her horse; the grandfather shoots at birds; the grandfather uses one minor expletive, but there is no harsh language).
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Brooke Shields music video "We All Shine On"
Julia Rae music video "Be That Girl" featuring Sammi Hanratty
Commentary by director Peter Odiorne and actress Sammi Hanratty
There Be Dragons DVD Release
The dramatic early life story of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei (“God’s Work”), the well known and controversial personal prelature of the Catholic Church, comes to DVD on January 10, 2012.
FILM SYNOPSIS: Set during the Spanish Civil War, one of the most violent periods of religious persecution in the history of the Church, the film shows how Escriva comes face-to-face not only with his own spiritual calling and vulnerabilities, but also with the strength, peace and vision to carry out his extraordinary vocation against impossible odds.
REVIEW: A touching epic-story about war, love, the destructiveness of envy, and the self-healing of forgiveness, There Be Dragons is a rewarding film-going experience. Along with its penetrating dialogue and dynamic performances, the production elements are all first rate, working together to set a mood, stir the pacing and add to the atmosphere.
Rated PG-13 (six or so minor expletives, but no harsh language; the film has war as its background setting, so we do see battle scenes, explosions and people dying or killed; a helpless man is shot to death; another commits suicide – off camera rather than kill his true love; a couple of fight scenes; the action, while violent, maintains a PG-13 rating, never becoming too excessive; that said, the action may be too intense for little ones and the material over their heads; some blood is seen by wounded and dead bodies; it is implied that a couple has had sex, but we do not see any graphic sexual situations; brief drinking). Running Time: 122 min. Intended Audience: Mature teens and adults
Special Features on the DVD:
- Facing Your Dragons: Inspiring Testimony from Wes Bentley
- Deleted Scenes
For more information: http://www.foxconnect.com/there-be-dragons-dvd-widescreen.html
Courageous comes to DVD
The fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia will be released on DVD January 17th.
FILM SYNOPSIS: As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are confident and focused. They stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet when they take off their badges at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them is truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, as dads good enough seems to be all they can muster. And they're quickly discovering that their standard is falling short. Then tragedy hits home and four men are left wrestling with their hopes, fears, faith, fathering--and a newfound urgency.
REVIEW: Two things impress me about the makers of Courageous. First, their production values keep getting better. It’s not just a bigger budget, it’s also a growth as filmmakers. And second, there’s always a sincerity of spirit that rings true. One gets the impression this is their ministry, while at the same time, understanding the #1 rule of cinematic storytelling – story must come first.
But there’s something else about this film that astounded me. Besides the moments that brought a tear to the eye (and it will unless you’re made of stone), there are many moments of well-constructed humor. It’s downright funny! One bit is reminiscent of the old Abbott & Costello Who’s On First routine.
There’s drama, comedy, action and even a bit of suspense, plus it sends the message of the need for good fathering – and teaches how to achieve this honorable goal. Touching, humorous and ultimately uplifting, Courageous makes my list of best films of the year.
Devoid of offensive language or situations, the film receives its rating for cop action, including car chases and shootouts; there is also the death of a child, but this tragedy is handled skillfully and furthers the film’s parable. The film has several positive messages concerning friendship, a father’s duty and doing what’s right.
The DVD bonus features include a Making of featurette, outtakes & bloopers and The Story of My Father – a moving father/daughter story of restored relations drawn from two Sherwood Pictures volunteers.
The Collector’s Edition DVD, exclusive to CBA stores, has more than two hours of special insights into the film’s characters: a look at today’s great need for entertainment that enlightens; what motivates Sherwood Pictures and Sherwood Baptist Church; and the life-changing effect of a little film with extraordinary courage.
Dolphin Tale DVD Release
The inspiring family film arrives in a BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL DOWNLOAD on December 20, 2011 from the WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP.
Paula Parker wrote the following for Preview on Line when the film had its theatrical release: “If you think Alcon Entertainment's Dolphin Tale is going to be another sugary-sweet - yet totally unbelievable - animal movie, you need to think again. Directed by Charles Martin Smith and starring Harry Connick, Jr. Ashley Judd as Lorraine Nelson, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Kris Kristofferson, Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman, and the real Winter playing herself, Dolphin Tale is a realistic heartwarming story of hope…Reminiscent of classics like Old Yeller. Dolphin Tale is a must see for those who are weary of films packed with aliens, battling robots, super-human super heroes and drunken pirates.”
BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack:
• Theatrical Film (3D & 2D)
• The Hutash Rainbow Bridge
• At Home with Winter
• Dolphin Tale: Spotlight on a Scene
• Winter’s Inspiration
• Ornie and the Cookie Jar
• Additional Scenes
• Gag Reel
Blu-ray Combo Pack:
• The Hutash Rainbow Bridge
• At Home with Winter
• Dolphin Tale: Spotlight on a Scene
• Winter’s Inspiration
• Ornie and the Cookie Jar
• Additional Scenes
• Gag Reel
DVD:
• Ornie and the Cookie Jar
• Additional Scenes
• Gag Reel
Paula K. Parker writes articles, plays, reviews, books and inspirational devotionals. Learn more about her at www.paulakparker.com
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Thou Shalt Laugh 5.
The phenomenon began back in 2006 when producers Hunt Lowry and Jonathan Bock took a step of faith and brought forth the proposition that the world was ready for comedy of, by, and for Christians. Other comedy concerts had entered the video arena, mostly to lie dormant on video store shelves. Thou Shalt Laugh, aided by a proper distribution campaign, sparked an interest that has generated more sales than any other Christian comedy DVD.
In an era when laughs are so often mined from anatomical and scatological riffs, and the grosser the comedy, the bigger the box office grosses, here came a refreshing and, I’m glad to add, funny alternative. Previous installments in the comic series had Patricia Heaton, Tim Conway, Sinbad, and John Tesh as masters of ceremony. Part 5 is M Cd by Chonda Pierce. I hadn’t heard of Mr. Pierce, the “Queen of Clean,” but was impressed with her wit and hosting skills.
Now, the thing about comedy is that some like Jerry Lewis, some don’t. Same for Bob Hope and Chris Rock. Personally, I wasn’t overwhelmed with the first two acts, but Bone Hampton caught my funny bone, as did Daren Streblow and of course, Taylor Mason, who has appeared in all five Thou Shalts. That said, you may like the very comic presentations that got past me. That’s the magic of stand-up comedy. I can tell you this, you won’t feel cheated. There are 90-minutes of humor, and I’m sure you’ll find the majority of it witty, insightful and uplifting.
As he did in T. S. L. 1, 2, 3 and 4, Taylor Mason closes the show. With his use of puppets and ventriloquism, Mr. Taylor reaches audiences of all ages. His awards range from winning the $100,000 Star Search grand prize in 1991 to an Emmy for his TV pilot Bananas. In my opinion, he’s one of the sharpest funnymen around. In this installment of the franchise, he again features his favorite alter ego, Romeo, who always seems to find a pretty girl in the audience whom he wishes to empress.
It’s a pleasure to be reminded once again that comedy can be used to edify as well as entertain. And that wit is always more satisfying than the I-can’t–believe-I-just–saw-that shock factor.
Go to the www.thoushaltlaugh.com for more information and clips. Thou Shalt Laugh 5 makes a great gift, along with the other installments, because you can go back to them over and over, discovering unfound laughs.
Click here for purchase info: http://www.thoushaltlaugh.com/index.cfm?c=funny&z=1
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