OneWayFilms2000
Joined Oct 2001
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Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13 year old competitive surfer with big dreams and a courageous spirit. Coming from a family of surfers, riding the waves is all Bethany can dream about. But her dreams turn into a nightmare after a sudden shark attack takes her left arm and her hopes of ever surfing again.
Soul Surfer is an inspirational film for the entire family about overcoming obstacles and turning tragedy into triumph.
Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it offers some gorgeous cinematography and wonderful surf-action shots and features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid, Craig T Nelson and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the teen titan with a heart of gold.
Soul Surfer is a well produced film, that leans heavily on it's soul-lifting story, stellar acting and a rocking soundtrack on a moderate budget. It's encouraging to see such big Hollywood names doing such inspirational family fare without the inflated-sized salary demands.
Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid actually seem to be enjoying themselves alongside the rising talents of the young cast members, most notably AnnaSophia Robb, best remembered for her role in Bridge to Terabithia, Jumper and Because of Winn Dixie. AnnaSophia delivers a powerful and gripping performance that is sure to win your heart and leave you breathless as she struggles to overcome all odds. Carrie Underwood seems a bit misplaced as the youth pastor who comforts and encourages Bethany, but while her screen time is short, she proves that singing may not be her only talent.
For a film based on a true story, I got caught up in the action and well paced story-telling. I found myself entranced by and caring for each of the characters. When the shark attack scene unfolded, I found myself holding my breath and completely taken in by the film. A rare victory few films can achieve.
I admired the way the film presented Bethany's family and their Christian faith, being faithful to church and being such positive role models. But I was disappointed in the failed opportunity to present more biblical truth to a secular audience. Like many recent films being marketed to a Christian audience, the presented faith in Soul Surfer was played a bit too safe and generic to arouse any converts since it lacked in any gospel message, but if viewed with a Christan who knows how to use the film as a topic starter, it can be a great tool or ice breaker.
Another refreshing bonus was the lack of any profanity or sexuality, making it completely suitable and safe for viewing in a church or youth group setting.
I highly recommend this entertaining and uplifting film for the entire family.
Soul Surfer is an inspirational film for the entire family about overcoming obstacles and turning tragedy into triumph.
Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it offers some gorgeous cinematography and wonderful surf-action shots and features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid, Craig T Nelson and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the teen titan with a heart of gold.
Soul Surfer is a well produced film, that leans heavily on it's soul-lifting story, stellar acting and a rocking soundtrack on a moderate budget. It's encouraging to see such big Hollywood names doing such inspirational family fare without the inflated-sized salary demands.
Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid actually seem to be enjoying themselves alongside the rising talents of the young cast members, most notably AnnaSophia Robb, best remembered for her role in Bridge to Terabithia, Jumper and Because of Winn Dixie. AnnaSophia delivers a powerful and gripping performance that is sure to win your heart and leave you breathless as she struggles to overcome all odds. Carrie Underwood seems a bit misplaced as the youth pastor who comforts and encourages Bethany, but while her screen time is short, she proves that singing may not be her only talent.
For a film based on a true story, I got caught up in the action and well paced story-telling. I found myself entranced by and caring for each of the characters. When the shark attack scene unfolded, I found myself holding my breath and completely taken in by the film. A rare victory few films can achieve.
I admired the way the film presented Bethany's family and their Christian faith, being faithful to church and being such positive role models. But I was disappointed in the failed opportunity to present more biblical truth to a secular audience. Like many recent films being marketed to a Christian audience, the presented faith in Soul Surfer was played a bit too safe and generic to arouse any converts since it lacked in any gospel message, but if viewed with a Christan who knows how to use the film as a topic starter, it can be a great tool or ice breaker.
Another refreshing bonus was the lack of any profanity or sexuality, making it completely suitable and safe for viewing in a church or youth group setting.
I highly recommend this entertaining and uplifting film for the entire family.
Since Sherwood Pictures released FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF, I expected other churches to be inspired and step out into the field of film making. The surprise success with Sherwood Pictures cannot be expected to be reproduced, in fact, just the opposite is expected. Just as Hallmark Pictures seems to reproduce every blockbuster hit that comes along on a much smaller scale with poorer results, we can expect other churches to release a few clunkers in hopes of attaining the same success that seems to have graced Sherwood Pictures.
That was my expectation when I discovered that TO SAVE A LIFE was the creation of Jim Britts, youth pastor of New Song Community Church in Southern California and that over 80% of the cast and crew were locals, some with no experience at all.
Let me start my review off by admitting that I was HORRIBLY WRONG. As I sat in the dark during the advanced screening of TO SAVE A LIFE and began to wonder to myself, 'is it possible? Can lightning strike TWO churches with an unexpected success story?' I am pleased to announce that it does indeed appear that lightning has strike twice. NEW SONG PICTURES is the NEW Sherwood Pictures of Christian films and they are going to make quite an impact in Hollywood.
High school stud / jock, Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne) seems to have it all, popularity, friends and the girl. But when his popular lifestyle forces him to choose between his best friend and the IN-crowd, the results become deadly.
Now with the weight of guilt on his back, parents on the brink of divorce, and a girlfriend expecting a baby, his whole life seems to be falling apart, until he meets the local youth pastor and a few Christian teenagers. Now he must make the ultimate choice.
The story seems simple and trite, but it's so well-written and greatly performed, that it seems fresh all over again. Randy Wayne(Numb3ers, The Haunting of Molly Hartley) is no amateur actor, and his performance shines alongside a cast of true professionals, like Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, As the World Turns) who plays Amy, the popular party girl who introduces him to the In-crowd and D. David Morin who has an extensive history in Christian films,(Time Changers, The Wager, Mercy Streets, The Moment After, The Ultimate Gift & A Vow to Cherish).
The quality of this film was surprisingly top notch and the results seem to touch and challenge the group of teenagers I reviewed the film with. They laughed at all the right spots and never once seemed bored or distracted by the engaging story. The rousing round of applause at the end was the final seal of approval by all who attended, myself included.
TO SAVE A LIFE will spark a movement among young people with the hard-hitting message that every person matters to God. The Gospel message is presented in a bold way, but not in-your-face, like witnessing a testimony unfold, instead of sitting through a preachy sermon. It goes down smooth and with flavor that leaves it's viewers wanting more. TO SAVE A LIFE will do more than entertain, it will strike a revival in the heart of teenagers and Christians alike. This is how Christians films should be done.
Set to be released in theaters on January 22, 2010. Make sure you don't miss this Christian movie event.
That was my expectation when I discovered that TO SAVE A LIFE was the creation of Jim Britts, youth pastor of New Song Community Church in Southern California and that over 80% of the cast and crew were locals, some with no experience at all.
Let me start my review off by admitting that I was HORRIBLY WRONG. As I sat in the dark during the advanced screening of TO SAVE A LIFE and began to wonder to myself, 'is it possible? Can lightning strike TWO churches with an unexpected success story?' I am pleased to announce that it does indeed appear that lightning has strike twice. NEW SONG PICTURES is the NEW Sherwood Pictures of Christian films and they are going to make quite an impact in Hollywood.
High school stud / jock, Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne) seems to have it all, popularity, friends and the girl. But when his popular lifestyle forces him to choose between his best friend and the IN-crowd, the results become deadly.
Now with the weight of guilt on his back, parents on the brink of divorce, and a girlfriend expecting a baby, his whole life seems to be falling apart, until he meets the local youth pastor and a few Christian teenagers. Now he must make the ultimate choice.
The story seems simple and trite, but it's so well-written and greatly performed, that it seems fresh all over again. Randy Wayne(Numb3ers, The Haunting of Molly Hartley) is no amateur actor, and his performance shines alongside a cast of true professionals, like Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, As the World Turns) who plays Amy, the popular party girl who introduces him to the In-crowd and D. David Morin who has an extensive history in Christian films,(Time Changers, The Wager, Mercy Streets, The Moment After, The Ultimate Gift & A Vow to Cherish).
The quality of this film was surprisingly top notch and the results seem to touch and challenge the group of teenagers I reviewed the film with. They laughed at all the right spots and never once seemed bored or distracted by the engaging story. The rousing round of applause at the end was the final seal of approval by all who attended, myself included.
TO SAVE A LIFE will spark a movement among young people with the hard-hitting message that every person matters to God. The Gospel message is presented in a bold way, but not in-your-face, like witnessing a testimony unfold, instead of sitting through a preachy sermon. It goes down smooth and with flavor that leaves it's viewers wanting more. TO SAVE A LIFE will do more than entertain, it will strike a revival in the heart of teenagers and Christians alike. This is how Christians films should be done.
Set to be released in theaters on January 22, 2010. Make sure you don't miss this Christian movie event.
- Scott Green OneWayFilms.net
Another round of applause to Cloud Ten Pictures for adopting the newest feature from independent filmmakers, Josh & Jeremiah Daws and their film DANGEROUS CALLING. Cloud Ten Pictures continues to set the standard for releasing powerful and thought-provoking Christian thrillers that not only entertain us, but challenge us with biblical truths.
As a student and critic of film, I have learned that it doesn't always take a Hollywood-size budget to deliver thrilling and exciting films. They help, but are not always necessary. Over the years, we have seen small independent films come out of nowhere, and beat down some of the larger, more popular, popcorn blockbusters that are expected to be big hits.
I've learned that sometimes, a well-told story backed up with a moderate budget and quality acting can be JUST as effective and more memorable than any action-packed, over-blown, star-filled Hollywood feature.
In the world of Christian films, we are seeing a surge of better quality, well-paced and professionally made features that are sure to make an impact among Christian AND non-Christian viewers. This is a welcomed change I have been ready to embrace.
I was not disappointed with DANGEROUS CALLING. Josh & Jeremiah Daws have done an OUTSTANDING job at creating an exciting suspense thriller that draws you in from the first scene and holds you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
A timely message for the church with nail-biting suspense.
"MISERY" meets "Psycho" in the characters of Sister Pat Hinton and her deranged son, Elijah who take church politics to a new level and God's justice into their own hands. Pat & Elijah are both disturbingly played to perfection by Jackie Prucha (Death of Seasons, The Last Adam) and Brandon O'Dell (The Mist, One Tree Hill) who give new meaning to dysfunctional families.
Stephen Caudill (End of the Spear) and Carrie Walrond Flightsts of Angels) round off the stellar cast as Pastor Evan and Nora Burke, who take on the new church and sister Pat.
A well-written and beautifully directed film that will challenge your church on issues that very few films are afraid to address. A bold and honest film wrapped up in a sticky web of horror and suspense.
Scott Green - OneWayFilms.net
As a student and critic of film, I have learned that it doesn't always take a Hollywood-size budget to deliver thrilling and exciting films. They help, but are not always necessary. Over the years, we have seen small independent films come out of nowhere, and beat down some of the larger, more popular, popcorn blockbusters that are expected to be big hits.
I've learned that sometimes, a well-told story backed up with a moderate budget and quality acting can be JUST as effective and more memorable than any action-packed, over-blown, star-filled Hollywood feature.
In the world of Christian films, we are seeing a surge of better quality, well-paced and professionally made features that are sure to make an impact among Christian AND non-Christian viewers. This is a welcomed change I have been ready to embrace.
I was not disappointed with DANGEROUS CALLING. Josh & Jeremiah Daws have done an OUTSTANDING job at creating an exciting suspense thriller that draws you in from the first scene and holds you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
A timely message for the church with nail-biting suspense.
"MISERY" meets "Psycho" in the characters of Sister Pat Hinton and her deranged son, Elijah who take church politics to a new level and God's justice into their own hands. Pat & Elijah are both disturbingly played to perfection by Jackie Prucha (Death of Seasons, The Last Adam) and Brandon O'Dell (The Mist, One Tree Hill) who give new meaning to dysfunctional families.
Stephen Caudill (End of the Spear) and Carrie Walrond Flightsts of Angels) round off the stellar cast as Pastor Evan and Nora Burke, who take on the new church and sister Pat.
A well-written and beautifully directed film that will challenge your church on issues that very few films are afraid to address. A bold and honest film wrapped up in a sticky web of horror and suspense.
Scott Green - OneWayFilms.net