Overcomer

You are not defined by what you do or how others identify you. This is the theme of the new family drama film, OVERCOMER. OVERCOMER is directed by and stars Alex Kendrick. Alex is also co-writer with Stephen Kendrick.

Hannah (Aryn Wright-Thompson) is a 15-year old girl who lives with her grandmother. She has been told her parents passed away. She is a loner and kleptomaniac. Fortunately, being the only runner on her school's cross country team gives her a sense of purpose. She discovers her identity with help from the school's principal (Priscilla Shirer), her coach, John, (Alex Kendrick) and his wife, Amy, (Shari Rigby). John and Amy discover something special about Hannah, and lead her to it, allowing her to receive answers to questions she had about her parents. As a result, she makes positive changes in her life.

OVERCOMER is an inspirational Christian film and does an excellent job of having its audience think about the question: What is your identity? OVERCOMER is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.overcomermovie.com/.

Breakthrough

Recently I attended a preview screening of the upcoming film BREAKTHROUGH. It is based on the book The Impossible by Joyce Smith, which chronicles the miraculous true story of her son's revival. Prayer is powerful.

Parents will be able to relate to Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) whose son John Smith (Marcel Ruiz) falls through the ice while playing with his friends and stays in the freezing water for 15 minutes. The incident puts John into a coma and he is rescued by first responder Tommy Shine (Mike Colter), who seeks John with a determination even unexplainable to him. Doctors are doubtful John will awaken, but Joyce stays with John every day and prays. This causes some friction between Joyce and her husband Brian Smith (Josh Lucas). Brian has faith, but deals with the situation in a different manner than his wife.

The Smith's are referred to Dr. Garrett (Dennis Haysbert), who has more experience working with patients in John's condition. Dr. Garrett verifies that the likelihood for John's survival is slim. Joyce keeps praying anyway. In fact, many people in St. Louis, Missouri pray for John, especially his classmates who sing with conviction outside of John's hospital room in an emotional scene.

BREAKTHROUGH will be released in North American theatres on Wednesday, April 17th and in the Philippines on Wednesday, April 10th. The official Web site is https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/breakthrough.

An Interview with God

Brenton Thwaites plays a journalist named Paul who interviews God (David Strathairn). They meet three times for Paul's article and have stimulating discussions. Many questions arise that most people have such as, 'Why do bad things happen to good people?' Also, Paul is confronted with conflicts in his life. The situations make him uncomfortable because God is supposed to be the subject and Paul, the journalist, is supposed to be professional by not making it about him. He especially becomes upset when God tells him He wants to talk about Paul's marriage. In fact, Paul and his wife Sarah (Yael Grobglas) are having problems.

The scenes between Paul and God are the best because most people probably do have many questions they want to ask God. The movie provides an opportunity for viewers to observe and consider what questions they would ask. This concept is immense; however, the story could have a larger impact if scenes are added that show Paul's editor Gary (Hill Harper) publishing the interview with God and people's reactions to it. This may not be the intention of the screenwriter or director, but would serve as a catalyst for an even stronger film beyond the wonder of being able to ask God questions.

AN INTERVIEW WITH GOD plays in theatres for three nights this week. The official Web site is https://aninterviewwithgod.com/. You can get updates about the movie and possibly learn about more screening dates.

Same Kind of Different As Me

Human kindness is a treasure. It is more valuable than money. Giving a homeless person money makes him or her happy, not the cash, but the acknowledgement that he or she exists. The movie SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME shows a courtesy towards the homeless. It is a true story, indicating that life may be the best adventure.

The film is based on the book Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, with Lynn Vincent. The screen adaptation is by Ron Hall, Alexander Foard, and Michael Carney who is also the film's director. SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME tells the story from Ron Hall's (played by Greg Kinnear) perspective. His marriage to Deborah (Renee Zellweger) is falling apart, but he still listens to her. Thus, Ron spends time with Deborah feeding homeless people at Union Gospel Mission. Deborah is dedicated to serving others. As she spoons food onto plates, she introduces herself to each individual and asks them their names. This exercise reveals a caring person engaging with another human being. Initially, Ron is reluctant to participate, but eventually he serves at the mission, too, and the Hall's befriend a homeless man named Denver Moore (played by Djimon Hounsou).

Throughout their friendship Denver shares his story with the Hall's, which tells how he grew up in the American South. Also, Denver spends time with the Hall's two children (Olivia Holt and Austin Filson) and Ron's parents (Jon Voight and Geraldine Singer). The people from different worlds learn from one another. Hence the movie's title, everyone realizes for the most part, people are the same kind of different.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.samekindofdifferentasmemovie.com/.

Lion

LION is the incredible true story adapted from the book A LONG WAY HOME written by Saroo Brierley with Larry Buttrose. Sunny Pawar plays Saroo with natural finesse. It is compelling watching a five year old boy in India adapt to his unfortunate circumstances. His intention is to tag along on an out of town trip with his older brother Guddu, played by Abhishek Bharate.

Sadly, the two brothers are separated and Saroo is taken on a very long journey by train. The young boy is homeless and nearly taken advantage of, but manages to survive on his own. Thankfully Saroo meets someone decent who takes him to the police. Since his family cannot be located, he is sent to an orphanage. Sue Brierley (played by Nicole Kidman) and John Brierley (played by David Wenham) adopt Saroo, and he moves to Australia to live with them.

After twenty years, it makes sense that Saroo has a longing to be with his birth mother and searches for his real home. As an adult, Saroo is played by Dev Patel. Saroo's ability to remember his past and the sophisticated methods he uses to find his childhood home in India are intriguing. The process consumes him so much, Saroo is distanced from his parents and lady friend, Lucy, played by Rooney Mara.

The happy ending to this story fills its audience with so much joy that all shed tears. The final thought is that Saroo Brierley shares the most difficult experiences he ever had. The final feeling is gratifying because Saroo once again embraces his birth mother in India.

LION is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.lionmovie.com.

Fences

The movie FENCES is based on the play of the same title written by August Wilson. The story is set in the 1950's and shows a realistic portrayal of one African American family.

Denzel Washington directs the film and plays Troy Maxson, a hard working man that provides for his family and fights racial discrimination at his workplace. Viola Davis gives an outstanding performance as his wife, Rose. She stands by Troy through many struggles, keeping her dreams secret while supporting him and their son Cory, played very well by Jovan Adepo, in their aspirations. Rose is a strong woman who is asked to do the unthinkable. She probably represents many women.

Mykelti Williamson is excellent as Troy's brother, Gabriel. The entire cast is excellent, and it is apparent that most, if not all of them, worked together on the play.

FENCES is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.fencesmovie.com/.

The Masked Saint

A unique film released this year is THE MASKED SAINT.  It stars Brett Granstaff (as Chris Samuels),  Lara Jean Chorostecki, Diahann Carroll, Roddy Piper (his final film performance), and Mykel Shannon Jenkins. The movie is based on the book The Masked Saint by Chris Whaley. Whaley is a former professional wrestler (The Saint) who became a pastor.

THE MASKED SAINT is a family film with an inspirational message (The wrestling sequences may frighten some, but most will be able to view them.)  Chris Samuels is a professional wrestler who decides to retire, despite threats from his wrestling promoter, Nicky Stone (played by Piper), and become a pastor of a church in a small town.

When Chris, his wife (Chorostecki), and daughter arrive at their new home, he discovers the town has quite a bit of crime activity.  Chris decides to fight injustice by masquerading as The Masked Saint, a vigilante superhero.

The plot may seem silly, but ultimately the story is an allegory.  Chris is a man of faith who wants to help people. His methods are unconventional, but his heart is in the right place.

In addition to the crime in town, Chris' church experiences financial difficulties. As a result, he goes back into the ring to raise money. Unfortunately, he is greeted by wrestling promoter, Nicky, with a comment like, "I knew you would be back," but stays focused on his goal.  Eventually, being a pastor, father, husband, "superhero," and wrestler starts becoming too much for Chris. He is forced to make an important life decision.

For more information about THE MASKED SAINT, visit the official Web site at http://themaskedsaint.com/.

War Room

This week I had the pleasure of attending a preview screening for the movie WAR ROOM.  The film is produced by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick.  The Kendrick brothers are the creators of FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and FACING THE GIANTS.

Usually people see prayer as a last resort, but WAR ROOM shows how having prayer as a daily part of one’s life can make a difference.  Relationships with others can be more positive and one can be at peace. In the movie a couple’s marriage relationship is strained.  Elizabeth, a real estate agent, meets a new client, Miss Clara, who shows her how a “war room” and battle plan for prayer can help her family.

WAR ROOM is an entertaining and inspirational film. To learn more visit the official Web site at http://www.WarRoomTheMovie.com.  The film will be in theatres on August 28^th.

Black Nativity

The movie BLACK NATIVITY is a great story about family and forgiveness. Screenwriter and director Kasi Lemmons adapted the Langston Hughes play for the screen.

BLACK NATIVITY is a musical drama starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore (impressive performance), Mary J. Blige, Nas, and Vondie Curtis-Hall. Since the movie is based on a play, when leaving the theatre after the screening one feels like he or she has just attended a stage play presentation. That is a good feeling. Because the actors are all good singers, the film provides a musical theatre experience.

Mayor Cupcake

MAYOR CUPCAKE is a fun movie. Lea Thompson is wonderful as ‘Mary Maroni,’ a cupcake baker who lives in Bridgeville, Delaware with her husband ‘Donald’ (played by Judd Nelson) and their three daughters. Unknowingly, ‘Mary’ is nominated for mayor of Bridgeville and wins the election, beating out a four-term mayor and another male opponent. She is unenthusiastic about the job, but swiftly makes the best of it and does very well with help from her friend ‘Albert’ (played by Dorian Harewood). She even takes pride in her duties since she was born and raised in Bridgeville and loves the town. However, there is conflict because some do not want her being their mayor. It is comical watching them try to thwart her.

Bridgeville has unique residents. One man makes it his chore to let drivers know to slow down since the police write a lot of speeding tickets, and another man owns an antique store but does not want to part with any merchandise. These and other characters are what make MAYOR CUPCAKE fun. Stories like this are good for the whole family to watch.

My Summer 2009 Vacation

Last week I went to Southern California. First, I spent three days in San Diego (the city where I was raised), and visited with family and friends. I had not seen the friends in over 20 years, so it was wonderful spending time together. During this time, Comic-Con was taking place. I did not attend, but saw crowds of people downtown who seemed very enthusiastic. Some were wearing Batman and Iron Man shirts and outfits.

Second, I went to Pasadena for the Action On Film International Film Festival (http://www.aoffest.com/). My screenplay, AFRAID FOR YOUR LIFE, received a Best Script nomination. I did not win, but it is always an honor being recognized for my work. I also watched some good independent movies. Two of them were ONE PERCENT FULL (http://onepercentfull.blogspot.com/), which is an action-drama with a message, and a comedy titled THE STEVIE WONDERSHOW (http://www.steviewondershow.com/).

While in Pasadena, I spent some time in South Pasadena checking out HALLOWEEN (1978) locations. It seemed like the logical thing to do! I went to the “Myers House,” which has been relocated, and is now an office building. Across the street from the “Myers House,” I saw the “hardware store,” which is actually a restaurant, where “Sheriff Brackett” and “Dr. Loomis” had a conversation. Next, I visited the “Strode House.” The people who live in this home graciously leave pumpkins on the porch so that fans of the film can pose with them for pictures, which is what I did. The final stop was “Haddonfield High School,” which is actually South Pasadena High School.

In addition, when in South Pasadena visit the Fair Oaks Pharmacy (http://www.fairoakspharmacy.net/). I had seen the soda fountain on the Travel Channel and wanted to check it out. It is located on historic Route 66, and truly does have the best ice cream, as highlighted on the Travel Channel.

Lastly, I spent some time in Los Angeles’ Chinatown and Hollywood. Chinatown was a fun place to shop. I went to Hollywood to find the Star of my cousin, film pioneer Oscar Micheaux (http://shorock.com/arts/micheaux/). It is located at the Hollywood and Highland intersection in front of a sushi restaurant.

Our vacation ended with a stop in Modesto (Central California) to see Carman (http://www.carman.org/). The concert was sold out and the audience was full of energy. Overall, I had an excellent time.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are able to spend today with someone/people who you love. It is not just about romantic love. Valentine's Day is also not just cards, chocolates, and flowers. Make sure the time you spend with loved ones is high quality.