crazi-swans Reviews

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (2022)

Wonderful Family Films

[9/10 · 4 August 2022]

A fun, heartfelt film about growing up and letting go based on the best-selling book of the same title by Dr. Meg Meeker.

Steve has worked hard to give his daughters the best in life, but when his oldest daughter returns home from a mission trip engaged and with a change of heart about her future, it is hard for him to accept.

I enjoyed watching this movie with my family and I thought that it did a good job of balancing the serious with the lighthearted moments. I especially liked Oz's parents, they were so gracious and kind, taking everything in stride and offering support. I liked how they used comedy to bring out the struggles that Steve was having with holding on and letting go of his daughters, as well as the strong themes of family, faith, and growing up.

Overall, such a well done movie for families with older daughters, with great truths for everyone. A wonderful film about the changes that come with growing up, and supporting your daughters at every stage.

#StrongFathersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Going Home (2022– )

Heartwarming, Tear-jerking, and Hopeful

[10/10 · 21 June 2022]

A heartfelt original series from Pure Flix that follows a group of nurses and their patients at an end of life facility as they prepare for their journey to the life after this one.

I was impressed from the start with the excellent writing of this series, dealing with a difficult subject in a way that is compassionate, gives dignity, respect, and is a reminder of the hope for those who believe in Christ. This particular episode was one the hardest to watch, as Katherine's daughter especially is struggling with the facts of their situation, while a child with end stage Huntington's disease is admitted to their facility. I loved seeing how Janey has grown under the mentorship of Charley as a nurse not only dealing with patients, but their families as well.

Heartwarming and tear-jerking, yet at the same time filled with hope and encouragement for the families who are also facing some of their darkest days. I especially loved how Charley helped Sadie, by encouraging her to make the most of the time she had left with Steph. A inspiring and thought provoking new series that explores many unique topics for a TV series, bringing hope and encouragement even in the toughest trials.

#GoingHomeMIN #PureFlix #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Mulligan (2022)

A Solid Film

[8/10 · 20 April 2022]

A parable about second chances, based on the book by Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard.

Paul McAllister is a high powered businessman, too busy for his family, and always chasing the next big deal. Hoping to improve his gold game he meets with a man known as the Old Pro who teaches him the secret of The Mulligan.

The movie is slower to start, but as the movie picked up it was fun to learn more about the game of golf, and see pieces all come together. I really liked that they didn't shy away from a strong faith-based message of hope. The Old Pro, played by Pat Boone, is such a fun character, with his plaid golfing pants, and patient way of giving out sage advice. The movie was well done, and I thought that it did a good job of showing the importance of family, honesty, and faith.

Overall, I was a little unsure about this movie in the beginning as I am in no shape or form a golfer or golf enthusiast, but as the story progressed and the foundation laid at the beginning began to pay off I found myself genuinely enjoying it. By the end it had won me over. A solid movie, well acted, great plot, and a powerful message of faith, integrity and family!

#TheMulliganMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Reelworks Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Redeeming Love (2022)

Powerful Storytelling

[9/10 · 21 January 2022]

A powerful story of true love and redemption based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Francine Rivers.

I had my doubts going into this movie, I'd read the book years ago and really enjoyed it, but wasn't sure about how it would translate onto the big screen, especially in regards to the mature themes and adult content. I was pleased to discover that Francine Rivers was heavily involved in the screenplay, and that the project was not being rushed, but that they were taking their time to find the best way to bring a film that did justice to the book to viewers. I can honestly say that I think that they did just that.

Redeeming Love is the re-telling of the Biblical story of Hosea, set in the gold fields of California during the 1850's. Angel is a prostitute, highly prized for her beauty and the wealth that she brings to her handlers. Michael Hosea hears God tell him that Angel will be his wife. But Angel has lived a rough life, mistreated by everyone she ever met, and her acceptance of Michael's offer is only the beginning.

The way that this book stayed true to the book surpassed all of my expectations, some of the details are changed but the storyline, characters, and message all come shining through. The movie is well done, with a stellar cast, an excellent script, set against stunningly captured scenery. The camera is artfully handled in a way that shows the full gravity of the nature of the story, but also decisively deflects some of the more grisly things. The movie doesn't shy away from sex, and there is nudity where the most sensitive areas are artfully covered by hair, blocking and angles. There is brief language. Though handled very well, I personally thought that the very heavy dark themes of the hit harder in the film, and I could tell that much thought had gone into how to best handle the difficult themes of the book. Rated PG-13, I would say that I felt that it definitely isn't a film I would want my 13 year old daughter seeing and would view with caution with older teens, perhaps after reading and discussing the book first.

Overall, this film does an excellent job of bringing this powerful story to the big screen. It is so obvious that great care was taken with this story and I think that it pays off. One of the best novel to film adaptations I have ever seen. I know that the book is fairly controversial in some circles, so I think that viewers should use discretion when deciding to go see it. If the book was offensive, then the movie isn't for you. I think it is good to know what you are going to see, so if you haven't read the book I would recommend discussing the story with someone who has, before going to see the film. I was so happy to see that the movie didn't shy away from keeping the strong faith elements central to the story, the message of hope and redemption shine through. Fans of the book will fall in love with Michael Hosea and Angel's story all over again as they watch this powerful story of love, hope and redemption unfolds before them!

#RedeemingLoveMovieMIN #RedeemingLoveMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Show Me the Father (2021)

Poignant

[9/10 · 18 September 2021]

The inspiring new documentary from the Kendrick Brothers about the power of a father.

A collection of true stories about growing up with or without a father, and how that changed them as they in turn became fathers, and how they view their Heavenly Father. Heartfelt and honest, with a variety of different perspectives and insights, featuring Tony Evans, Jim Daly, Stephen Kendrick and more!

Engaging and well edited, the interviews are well placed, and I enjoyed hearing each of the heartfelt stories of triumph and heartache. I'm not typically the documentary type, but this was as engaging as a screenplay, and I can see why this movie was close to their hearts. Definitely, an inspirational film to share with the family, that points to the only perfect Father.

Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Vindication (2019– )

Unique Crime Drama

[9/10 · 14 September 2021]

Vindication is a unique crime drama, that centers around Detective Travis as he interviews the suspects and witnesses, exploring how it might have happened, and it is up to Detective Travis to discern the truth. The first season introduces the characters and the format of the show, and as the season progresses we get a deeper glimpse into Travis's personal and home life.

The episodes cover a variety of topics, with a different slant than your typical crime shows. I like how it keeps you guessing, because you only have access to the information that Travis does, so the answers aren't clear cut and sometimes he is wrong and has to backtrack.

Each of the episodes is half and hour, and does a great job with though provoking plots, with compelling teachable moments. The show is well done, directed more towards adults and older teens, with a variety of crimes presented realistically without all the explicit details, but in a ways that can be a great conversation starter about tough topics like sexting, emotional affairs, money, marriage, drug addiction, and PTSD. One of my favorite characters is Travis's wife, who is a firm Christian who lives what she believes.

A unique crime drama with family values and teachable moments, definitely worth checking out!

#VindicationMIN

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When We Last Spoke (2019)

So Enjoyable and Winsome

[9/10 · 2 August 2021]

A fun-filled, heartwarming film for the whole family, this movie caught my eye with it's old fashioned setting and featuring of some of my favorite actors.

Melissa Gilbert and Corbin Bernsen were excellent as Grandma Ruby and Papo, who take in sisters Juliet and Evangeline when their father goes to war in 1967. This was an engaging and well written and acted film, wholesome and heartwarming it is a feel-good movie that you can comfortably share with others, knowing that it will bring smile to their face. I had such a great time watching this one with my parents. The pacing was great, I never felt like there was a dull or stagnant moment.

This was such a fun entertaining film, I loved that it had its lighter moments as well as more serious ones, as the sisters struggle to understand what is going on around them. I was so impressed with this movie, and its wholesome winsomeness and charm, as well as its well paced plot and endearing characters. The late Cloris Leachman is a gem as Great-Grandmama, though Papo had to be my favorite! I would highly recommend this movie to fans of the popular When Calls the Heart or Little House on the Prairie.

I received a complimentary code to view this movie. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Church People (2021)

Self Aware, Family Friendly

[7/10 · 16 March 2021]

A family friendly Christian movie, funny, and self-aware, with a stellar cast, that made for an enjoyable and entertaining film.

Engaging and humorous, it is a wonderful film to share with family, containing the powerful message of the foremost gospel of Christ's sacrifice for our sins. Starring Christian comedian Thor Ramsey, alongside a wonderful cast, including Stephen Baldwin, Joey Fatone, and even a cameo from the My Pillow Guy himself. I will admit that at times the humor can be deemed irreverent, so if you are offended by the likes of Tim Hawkins and John Crist then it might not be your style. But by the end, it all came together and I enjoyed the wit in this Christian movie being willing to take a step back and make fun of some aspects of the Christian culture, as well as to be honest enough to take a serious look at itself as well.

All in all a fun family movie, with some great talking points along the way. Filled with humor, clean and at times cheesy, well acted, with a powerful conclusion, this is a movie that makes for a great family movie night and is great to share with others!

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Trafficked: A Parent's Worst Nightmare (2021)

Good to Start Conversations

[7/10 · 31 January 2021]

Terrifying, heartbreaking, yet full of hope. Trafficked is a new movie that draws attention to the human trafficking epidemic in America and around the world. The movie is riveting, yet hard to watch. While some reviews have slammed this movie be being unrealistic, and that might be true as many families do not have the resources of a highly skilled team searching for their lost loved one, I think that it does a good job of showing how it could happen to anyone, but also gives hope in that there are people out there trying to help.

I have a couple of friends with daughters this age, who have told me of very scary situations at the mall or even at their high schools, where young men have tried to manipulate their daughters into going with them into sketchy situations. So while to some this all might sound far-fetched, I think it is a good reminder to be aware and have these conversations with your children.

An engaging movie that I think does a great job of starting the conversation, I can't honestly say that I "enjoyed" watching this movie, as it goes into some very dark things, doing a great job of letting you know what happens while not showing anything too explicit. But I think that it is worth a watch with older teens. Be aware that there are scenes of a suggestive nature, thematic elements, mild language, scenes with scantily clad women, drug use, and gun violence. I enjoyed the strong themes of faith, family, and hope, and I think that this is a movie that can start those conversations about being careful online and about the very real, horrible things going on in this world.

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.