Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters by Covenant Communications

On cold night in the Utah Territory, three opinionated men seemingly by chance find themselves sharing a campfire as they tell tales, swap insults, and expound on their personal beliefs and philosophies. However, one of the men is not there by mere coincidence. Join Porter Rockwell, Mark Twain, and J. Golden Kimball for an entertaining and intriguing evening with three of the most colorful characters of the Old West.

 * Deseret Book *

 

I thought the actors did a great job of portraying these real life characters.  They looked the part and sounded the part too.  I loved the scenery.  I learned things about these three people that I didn't know.  LDS history buffs may find this interesting.

This was literally an hour of three guys sitting around the fire talking.  It isn't a movie so much as a documentary of sorts.  Children will not be impressed by this movie.  My teenager quickly became bored.  Even my adult children were less than impressed.  I think we all pictured something a little different.  It might have been better if there had been some flashbacks to the stories the characters were describing that included movement and acting things out.  Instead, it was just talking, talking, talking.

I think if you go into this understanding that it isn't a movie in the traditional sense, and more of a documentary exploring an idea of what would happen if these three men met one night around a campfire, you will enjoy it more.  The stories shared were interesting, touching and religious.  

Content:  Some talk about polygamy, characters talk about cursing and swearing but you never hear actual words, some religious elements

Movie Review: The Last Descent

The details of the passing of John Jones in Nutty Putty Cave have been well documented, but his story did not end there. Witness the power of love, family, and the Plan of Salvation in this critically acclaimed film that shows that family bonds extend beyond this life.

 * Deseret Book * Amazon *

Ugh.  It's almost impossible to review movies like this one.  It's based on a true story and honestly, it's just sad.  I know it was supposed to inspire me, and I came out of it feeling extraordinarily grateful, but I was just not inspired.  I was sad.

John Jones and his brother decide to go explore the Nutty Putty cave in Utah.  They weren't well equipped and they just shouldn't have gone in that cave as unprepared as they were.  It is well know to be dangerous.  Long story short is John gets stuck.  Wedged in an impossible position, upside down.  It's horrifying.

My gratitude expands for the many, many people who fought so hard to save him.  Emergency crews, rescue crews, the sheriff's department, doctors and so many more, working so hard and trying for so long.  So many people giving their all to try to save this one man from a very dangerous circumstance at personal risk to them all.  That is amazing to me and shows the best part of humanity.

As the movie goes on, we get glimpses into John's past, including the courtship of his wife.  It's a sweet story, but just made the reality of his situation all the more heartbreaking.  John is a champion through it all- so humble and grateful.  But in the end, he still dies.  It's just sad.  The whole deal.  Sad.  

So, if you want a tear jerker story- this is your movie.  If you are into movies based on true stories, then you should check this one out.  If you have a loved one who loves to explore caves, you should NOT watch this movie.  :)

Holiday Movie Review: The Christmas Project

Are you looking for a new family film for the holidays?  I've got just the movie for you!  The Christmas Project is full of sibling antics, school bullies, first crushes and of course, an overall message of kindness that will bring the Christmas spirit right into your homes and your hearts.  

I love movies that deliver on the "feel good" and I especially love movies that the whole family can enjoy together- from young to old.  

This movie is perfect for a family fun night.  Pop some popcorn and snuggle in.  Be prepared to smile a lot.  Check out the trailer and links below for more information.

#TheChristmasProjectMovie

 * Facebook * Instagram * Amazon *

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream

Sunday, October 4 at 9pm ET/PT, 8C

Williamson said, “’Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream’ is an unusual balance between light and dark, comedy and drama. Our lead character Oliver said it best, ’The world is a terribly complicated place, and so much of it can be ugly. That’s why what is gentle and beautiful and joyful is worth fighting to preserve. And it’s why we honor those who fight.’ She added, “That’s why we made this movie, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it.”

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a comedic drama that follows the lives of postal workers who transform themselves into an untraditional team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office into an unpredictable world where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow on time.

The movies are produced by Muse Entertainment in association with MoonWater Productions. Executive producers are Martha Williamson (“Touched By An Angel”), Joel S. Rice (“Tut”) and Michael Prupas (“The Kennedys”). Harvey Kahn (“The Haunting Hour”) is the producer. Kevin Fair directs and serves as an executive producer of the movie. Story by Martha Williamson and Brandi Harkonen. Teleplay by Martha Williamson. Created by Martha Williamson.

I guess this is movie sharing weekend for me.  Yesterday I posted about an awesome movie, The Cokeville Miracle and today I get to tell you about another movie that I loved watching.  Signed, Sealed, Delivered:  The Impossible Dream picks up right where the last movie ended.  I love the continuation of the story and it's characters.

I love my country.  I love the freedoms that were established for us long ago.  I'm SO grateful for the many men and women who give so much for our country and for me and my family.  It takes special people to serve in our armed forces.  I give them my respect and again, my gratitude.  I do not take for granted the freedoms that I enjoy.

This movie pays a special tribute to those who serve our country.  I will admit that I cried.  I was touched and moved by this story.  I loved it.  I have loved every TV show and every movie associated with this series but I think this one was my favorite so far.  LOVE.

It airs tomorrow!  Don't miss it!

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel Locator: http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/channel-locator

The Cokeville Miracle

On May 16, 1986, in the small, ranching community of Cokeville, Wyoming, David and Doris Young took an elementary school hostage for several hours before detonating a bomb inside a classroom that held every teacher and student in the school. In the wake of the madness, Ron Hartley, whose children were inside the classroom, must fight his skepticism and unbelief as he hears eyewitness accounts from the students about miraculous, heavenly intervention during the crisis. When tragedy strikes ... what do you see?

Region: All Regions
Format: Widescreen
Number of Discs: 1
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 94 minutes

  * Deseret Book * Amazon *

Have any of you seen this movie?  I just watched it and I don't know how anyone could end this movie and not believe that God is real and miracles exist.

This movie is based on actual events that occurred in Cokeville, Wyoming 1986.  I wasn't familiar with this story before hearing about the movie coming out.  I was a young teenager in 1986 and not paying attention to the world around me much past how it effected me directly.  But this story deserves to be heard.  It is a movie that speaks of tragedy and triumph.  It is based on faith in God and the miracles that surrounded a school full of children when a terrorist took over.

As I watched this movie, I was filled with all kinds of emotions.  As a parent, one of my worst nightmares is to have something like this happen to one of my children.  I can't even imagine how scary this day must have been for all involved.  I was touched by the efforts of the teachers who were willing to sacrifice themselves to save those children and did whatever they could that day to protect them.  My heart was full of gratitude for the miracles that the people of Cokeville received that day.

It's hard to understand why some people get miracles like this and some do not.  There are so many instances of terror in schools that do not end this way.  It breaks my heart.  But while I do not know why miracles happen for some and not for others, I do know that when miracles happen, we should celebrate and acknowledge them as such.  

I didn't know this until this movie was coming out, but there is a family in my neighborhood that was involved in this.  They had two children in this school on this day.  That really brought this story closer to home for me.  It's been great to hear about their support for this movie.  

This was such a good movie.  It enlightened me, it made me feel.  I ended the movie feeling so emotional but also so grateful.

Content:  I would not let my young teenage daughter watch this.  She is very sensitive to things like this and because I know her, I know it would scare her for sure.  It is rated PG-13 for a good reason.  While there isn't anything overly graphic, the scenes are portrayed very realistically and may frighten children.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: TRUTH BE TOLD + GIVEAWAY

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: TRUTH BE TOLD

Sunday September 13 9:00 PM / 8:00c

The POstables are on a mission to deliver a soldier's letter from Afghanistan, while Oliver's estranged father surprises him with news that shakes him to the core.

Check out more about the movie HERE.

I am a fan of the TV series, Signed, Sealed, Delivered.  My kids think might think I'm sappy but I love this series for more than one reason.  First, it brings in real life issues for real life people and deals with them in a kind and gentle way.  Every episode may have hard and sad things, but there is always the overwhelming feeling of hope as well.  Second, I love shows and movies that leave me feeling good and that is what this TV series does for me.  I love the characters and the quirks of each one.

How exciting that there is a new Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie coming out THIS SUNDAY!  I was seriously over the moon that I got the chance to preview it ahead of time so I could share it with you!  There is nothing better than sharing the things that you love with other people in the hopes that they will love it too.

This movie was so good.  I loved the continuation of the TV series right into this movie.  Hallmark is so awesome.  This movie deals with a young girl who lost her mother in Afghanistan.  While she is being bullied for holding out hope that her mother will return, the Postables are trying to get this letter to her.  Rita and Norman are tentatively stepping into a new phase of their friendship, and Oliver's father makes a surprise and unwelcome appearance back into his life.

There are small sparks of romance, a bit of drama, friendship and lots of warm fuzzies going on in this movie.  It was nice to take a couple hours to settle in all comfy and watch this movie.  I hope you will tune in and love it too!

And now for the giveaway!  Here's what you get:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wayward: The Prodigal Son

Wayward: The Prodigal Son (2014)

PG-13 92 min  -  Action | Drama | Romance

A dying father's last wish is to bring his rebellious son back home and into his loving and forgiving arms and reunite his family once again.

I had the opportunity to watch this movie as part of a prescreening for review.  This morning I was up early, before anyone else in the house and decided it was the perfect moment to pop in my earbuds and check Wayward out.  I should have brought a box of tissues along with me before I settled in.  Talk about a tear jerker.  I was crying a river before 8am.

This movie is based on the biblical story of The Prodigal Son.  It is a story I am familiar with and I was interested to see how this movie would go.  I would say that Wayward isn't overly religious or preachy although it does mention God several times and shows a character going to church and reading scripture.  It is based on a Bible story after all.  The movie was overwhelmingly about family and forgiveness and love.  As a parent, I was touched and moved.  There were so many emotions flowing through me.  To watch a child, or any loved one, make decisions that you know will hurt them is heartbreaking.  

What I loved throughout this whole movie was from beginning to end, the love that this father has for his son is constant and strong.  He always let his son know that he loved him.  His words were always to encourage and demonstrate that love.  "I will always support you."  "I will always love you."  "I will be here, waiting for you to come home."  His actions backed up his words.

I really enjoyed this movie, even if it did make me cry.  It was a good reminder to me that love is always the best answer.  Love and forgiveness.  We all need it and we all need to give it to others.

This movie is rated PG-13 for the dicey situations the main character finds himself in.  There is drinking, drugs, gambling, and references to prostitutes.

My thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to preview this film for them.