Archives For Reviews

Waiting For Superman

February 21, 2011 — Leave a comment

Last week I took a quick trip to Phoenix and back. Prior to taking off, I grabbed a few movies from the local Red Box. Of the 4 that I rented, the first I watched was a documentary called “Waiting For Superman“. I’m kind of a fan of documentary films and understand that with each one, you have to take some things with a grain of salt. After all, the film is going to be spun in a way that makes the viewer believe all that is said. There are always two sides to each story. But this one is powerful and it hit close to home.

My wife, father-in-law, sister-in-law and both brother-in-laws are all educators. Not only is there a common thread of teachers in our extended family, my bride and I experienced a bit of what this film refers to a few years ago. As you may or may not remember, we were “this close” to moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. We even sold our home and had a contract drawn up for the purchase of one in Charlotte. Yet there was an overwhelming alarm in both of our hearts and it was, without question, the schools. It is no secret that Charlotte Mecklenburg County Schools have their issues. Most districts do. We were told that we should “try to get them in a charter school ASAP” or look to enroll them at Charlotte Christian Schools. These were our best options.

At the end of the day, it came down to wanting to give our kids the best (which ended up staying right where we were in Ohio). But what if you don’t have that option? This film is powerful. While I am sure it will draw the debate of some educators, there are simple facts that are indisputable. There are places where the best option for a quality education is a ping pong ball with your number on it. It’s disturbing and unfortunate. I recommend renting this film to anyone that reads this. It’s a reminder that we must be involved in the education process of our children. We must do things at home (structure, work ethic) and not just rely on the schools. It’s not a knock against the quality teachers out there. We as parents have as much to say in their education…if not more.

I give “Waiting for Superman” a 5 out of 5.

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Review – The Cause Within You

February 19, 2011 — Leave a comment

What if we built our churches by caring FOR people and NOT by caring how many people showed up? What if we took the gifts and talents that God wired into each one of us and used them for people and not for a cause of having the largest church in town? Imagine cities where “the church” was collections of people giving their time, their talents, their resources to the restoration of the person and not another program or attraction at the church.

It would be awesome.

We have a blue print

In the book “The Cause Within You” by Matthew Barnett, we are given a first person look at what God laid on the heart of one man and how it is literally changing an entire city. Matthew Barnett is the co-founder of The Dream Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dream Center is “a beacon of hope for homeless families, addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, runaways, and many others filled with brokenness.” Through the Dream Center, lives are being changed, hope is being restored and the love of Christ is a living, breathing thing.

Matthew Barnett was called to save a church in one of the worst parts of Los Angeles. After the number of attenders reached (literally) zero, Barnett took a walk one night. It was there that he heard God speak to him in a very clear direction. It was there that he was called to build people and “God would build the church”. Over the last 15 years, that night and that vision have been a catalyst for incredible change in a city marked by despair. “The Cause Within You” is a call to action and a blueprint for how we can change lives, change churches and change communities. It is a great read for anyone, but specifically the leadership of the building we attend on Sunday mornings. It is a reminder of where our focus SHOULD be.

All of the proceeds from “The Cause Within You” will go directly to completing floors of the Dream Center and to continuing the work of care for the people of Los Angeles in need. You can download the first chapter (HERE). You can download the first chapter audio file (HERE)

I give “The Cause Within You” a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: BuzzBlogger sent me the link as part of their bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Soul Surfer Preview

February 9, 2011 — 2 Comments

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Last night, my lovely bride and I had the blessing of seeing an advanced screening of the movie “Soul Surfer” which is due to be released on April 8th. As to not give away parts of the movie, let me just say that it was a wonderful film. Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer that loses her arm in an attack by a shark, this film will inspire and move you. I count it such a blessing to have had the opportunity to see it and HIGHLY recommend you plan on seeing it as well.

Some of the most powerful themes of this film are the love of the Hamilton family, strength and determination of Bethany, faith, and finding your purpose in the midst of tragedy. You will connect with many aspects and it is “family friendly” with not a single cuss word. My guess is the PG rating is for the nature of the shark attack. Even that part of the movie is handled very well in terms of minimal violence and graphic scenes. The film makers did a great job of allowing the viewer to form their own conclusions while still covering this part of the story.

This is not a low rate film. I don’t know what the budget was to create it, but I never felt like it was made poorly or that they spared expenses putting together an inspirational family film. If movies like this can be made, we need to do what we can to support them. Again, I am saving a majority of my review for closer to launch date of the film. This was just a heads up to get that date marked on your calendars. This is a movie you will want to see and be glad you did.

I know I am….

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Review – The Faith of Ronald Reagan

February 8, 2011 — 1 Comment

I’ve never been a guy that gets too deep into politics. My earliest memories (aging myself here) are of a black and white TV talking about the hostages and a guy named Ronald Reagan announcing they were now free. I remember the day that same President got shot and the reaction of a country. My college years were spent far away from TV and news so sadly I missed the falling of the wall. These were obviously huge moments in our countries history. Huge moments that now, many point to as a time, and a President that stood tall as one of the greatest. When people measure our Presidents, they often point to Ronald Reagan as the marker they measure against.

So it is no question that when “The Faith of Ronald Reagan” became available, I quickly signed up to read and review it. Written by Mary Beth Brown, The Faith of Ronald Reagan is a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Ronald Reagan and what shaped the man. We are given access to see the faith that so often is not mentioned as the foundation of who Ronald Reagan was. The book features many quotes that will give those that admire Ronald Reagan even more pause to do so. For example:

Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve him in every way I can. -Ronald Reagan, 1981

The Faith of Ronald Reagan is a wonderful look at the man, the people in his life and the God that he served throughout his life and Presidency. While many talk of the faith of George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan was a man of faith that we should admire and respect. I give “The Faith of Ronald Reagan” a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Change of Plans

January 5, 2011 — Leave a comment

What are you doing Saturday, January 8th @ 8:00? Family Movie Night is back thanks to WalMart and P&G. Thanks to my friends at Team BuzzPlant, I recently had the opportunity to watch the new Family Night Film called “Change of Plans“. Truth be told, I’m going to gather my entire family on Saturday night and we’ll all watch it again.

If you don’t have plans Saturday night, plan on watching it too

If you have plans for Saturday night…change them!

This film is great on so many levels. It is the story of a very busy couple that is suddenly asked to take in 4 children after their parents pass away suddenly. It’s about lives interrupted and finding out what is important. It’s about family.

I loved this movie and I think your family will too.

To see a trailer for the film visit – ChangeofPlansTheMovie.com

Also, visit THIS LINK for an opportunity to win a 55″ HDTV and other great prizes.

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