Movies This Year

I've already watched a few movies this year, having started with my traditional "Facing the Giants".

• Storm Rider was actually a really nice surprise.   I like horses, but, I wasn't sure what I would think of this movie; and I ended up really liking it a lot.   Jacob Buster who played Jordan in the movie was really adorable; and it was not hard to see the big caring heart that uncle Sam had.  It was cute to see how at the end, it looked like Sam, Jody, Dani, and Jordan would become a family; and how everything worked out

• Fallen Angel was a touching story with a nice reunion ending.  The little girl in the movie was so loveable.   There were still some sad parts; but, it was a nice movie overall.

• November Christmas - Wow, what a tear-jerker of a movie.  It brings tears to see the strength of the little girl fighting cancer, the strain on the parents, but also the way it brought those around her together.  It was kind of nice that the start of the movie allows us to know that the little girl was able to win her battle against cancer as she told her story of "magic".  The most touching was when the girl came home from the hospital and the whole town had decorated for Christmas even though it was November; and they were all gathered at her house to welcome her home.  How special.
• Coffee Shop - This really was "UPlifting enterainment".  It had a nice story line, with a good outcome, and a good-looking cast.  I also liked how they were able to weave in references to helping support needs in Africa, quoting Scripture, etc.
• A Mile in His Shoes - I watched this movie again and was once more impressed with the Christian themes and the example of Mickey, who despite his autism is able to be an example of character and wisdom to all those around him.   It was neat to see the healing and growth the characters in the movie experienced.  This is definitely a movie worth watching with like a small group from church
• The Climb - This was actually a really good movie with a clear gospel message.   One of the main characters went from angry and arrogant to humble and recognizing his need, giving his life to Christ at the end and taking up the responsibility to be a father to his baby and husband to his girlfriend.  And the Christian main character exemplified Christ by being and example, standing up for what was right, and ultimately giving his life for his friend.
• The Valley of Light - This was a movie with sad overtones, but had examples kindness and love in it.  One quote in the movie stood out - the one in which Eleanor said "Maybe you'll find a valley where no one has suffered a broken heart, but I would wager to say that was a loveless place."  That's a loaded statement, but essentially says that when we love, we do risk vulnerability; and if you try to protect yourself from heartbreak, then you miss out on experiencing love.  It was nice that the main character stopped moving from place to place trying to "stay one step ahead of the pain and grief" and found peace and love in the Valley of Light.   It really was so sad that they lost the loveable little boy Matthew; but, it seemed to be a turning point for Noah.
• The Miracle Worker - Reviews say that this remake is not as emotionally gripping as the original; but, since it is still based on the real-life amazing story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, it is still a motivational movie.  
• Rose Hill - This was a movie that demonstrated true love of family.   It was so neat to see the pack of orphaned thieving boys turn into really loving protective brothers who were able to succeed in the wild west.  
• Cupid & Cate - I'm not sure whether or not I liked the movie.  I would agree with a comment that was made about not really "warming up" to the female lead character, because she wasn't very likeable.  In contrast, Harry's character, the one she married, was very likeable.  And, the family relationships seemed to be realistic, with all the good and the bad.  It was especially nice to see that the sisters despite differences in personality and normal sibling conflicts did demonstrate that they truly cared about one another and were there for each other through difficult times.  
• Bridal Wave - This seemed to fit in more with the typical Hallmark movie.  The lead female character realizes that she was engaged to a person she didn't love and marries the person she meets and does fall in love with.  It's one of those movies that make me wonder if I could ever meet someone that way, when I least expect it.  Jaclyn Smith definitely looked like she had work done, and she played the snobbish future mother-in-law quite well.
• A Novel Romance - There were some things in this movie that didn't totally make sense and weren't that believable.   But, overall, it had me rooting for the male lead character the whole time; and it was nice to see the great support from and relationship with his publicist.  What I really liked was how the main characters met and how the male lead pursued and was so clear about how he felt.  And, we are glad that at the end, he finds who he is and writes a book he is proud of.