review

Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the following for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

Irish poet and playwright W.B. Yeats once said, “How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true; But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face.” with Yeats’ romantic spinning may sound that of a different time. As our present world ever-fixates on present the repetitive nature of swipes, emoticons, and the frenetic blurring of notifications. Creating within many the need for simpler norms, making this season the perfect cinematic release of Ryan Whitaker’s sophomore directorial feature, Surprised by Oxford.

Based on a true story, adapted from Carolyn Weber’s memoir of the same name, Surprised by Oxford follows Caro Drake (Rose Reid), an intellectual, yet lovingly sophomoric American student, who is granted a scholarship to the prestigious Oxford University, endeavoring to make peace of her turbulent childhood, while pushing forward in obtaining her post-graduate career in English literature-specifically, Romanticism. Our story’s heroine balances an insatiable desire for knowledge and discovery of reason.

Soon after arriving at the fictional Tirian College, our story’s heroine befriends both Hannah (Emma Naomi) and Linnea (Jordan Alexandra), while pretentiously tutoring academics as young people often do. While sharing with viewers the true dichotomy of the story. The blending of a young woman’s need for understanding and love. This moment comes by way of the story’s heartthrob, Kent (Ruairí O’Connor), a talented local student who provides the film’s necessary romantic push-and-pull dichotomy, which Reid offers in a relaxed, meet-cute presence. A necessity for any 90s-style film, like this.

The film’s main theme, attraction-between these two young lovers, and pf knowledge, and discovery itself, serves to anchor the film’s playfulness and dilemmas-bending ideals in one. With a clever blend of skepticism and self-discovery, for both Christian zealot, Kent, and that of the heart of the woman he adores, the film’s protagonist, Caro. Who, over time comes to reeducate Kent over the obstacles of romance, spirituality, and the ways of a woman’s heart. It’s in Whitaker’s navigation of said polarities that Surprised by Oxford, allows viewers to examine within the film’s emotional resonance-its holiday-esque feel-good rhetoric. The Evangelical considerations that sit snuggly between awe-inspiring autumnal and sno-ladden cityscapes- scenes as intrinsic to the plot’s theme, as the theme itself.

Overall, the film’s aesthetic design graces viewers with the coziest of self-discoveries. Something everyone seeing the film can take away from. That of the familiarity of modern-day agitations with that of familiar and romantic ingenuity and meet-cute scenarios.

All chaptered around to the school’s three annual terms — Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity. That which is filmed among the architectural spacing of Oxford’s prestigious surroundings. Everything from pubs, centuries-old classrooms, and period libraries and bookstores. Sharing the true loves of Caro’s life, and the film, the winding streets of Oxford, and young women strolling about, with noses buried in books.

Surprised by Oxford’s classicist style and bibliophile beauty is the sucrose mix of Hogwarts and Hallmark you need in your life this season. This film is one you’ll want to see Suprised by Oxford from the comfort of your own home. Rent or buy today. Buy or rent Surprised by Oxford this November! Having seen this movie several times, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I have. Friends, be sure to check out the trailer, below.

Overall, this film, with its equal parts heroinism and that of holiday loveliness, is one to get excited over. This is why I’m excited to share that one Theladyprefers2save.com reader will have the awesome opportunity to view the Suprised by Oxford film yourself-United States winners only at this time, please. Plus, entering is as simple as leaving a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film this season. Good luck!

Check out Suprised by Oxford online:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest | TikTok

Also, find other film reviews I’m loving this season, here. Now, do you want to see Suprised by Oxford? Leave your thoughts below.

Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

With all the merriment the holiday season encapsulates comes the need to hear the true story of the Christian holiday season. Making it a natural choice for families to view the upcoming film, “Journey to Bethlehem.” The birth story of Jesus Christ is set to a family-friendly holiday musical—a heartwarming production of the true story of the Nativity set in a new and captivating way.

The story features Joseph, played by Milo Mannheim, from Disney’s “Zombies”, Mary, played by Fiona Paloma, King Herod played by Antonio Banderas, the angel played by Christian rapper, Lecrae, and Joel Smallbone as King Herod’s son.

With rich musical melodies that are as snazzy as they are jazzy, this film is perfect for young children and the young at heart. Featuring thoughtful songs that are as timeless as they are thought-provoking. Drawing considerable parallels between the classic Judeian Nativity with that of the modern world. Plus, well-executed choreography and an excellent blend of timely speeches help spin the gaps between each of the film’s musical numbers.

The Journey to Bethlehem Movie is approximately 2 hours in length, is rated PG for its given content, and features a musical score by Matt Sallee and Kevin Olusola from the musical group, “Pentatonic.” Set in picturesque Spain, this film is also beautiful in design. Giving audiences a true musical experience, not simply a documentary set to music. Full of dance and pop music, this production features something for every member of the family. Perfect for believers and non-believers throughout the season including a wonderful soundtrack is available for listening to on Spotify and Apple Music platforms, here, too.

This is a great movie inspired by the true word of God. It is a film that is sure to touch all viewers- young and old alike. A well-made Christmas movie musical for the entire family. And in our current social and economic climate, this is a story the world needs now. A film that will bring inspiration, joy, and hope to the currently dark world.

“Journey to Bethlehem” offers families the awesome opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas while watching the birth of the Savior on the big screen in the jazziest of ways. A film that is sure to leave you feeling inspired. Sharing with audiences the true meaning of Christmas- the deep joy and hope that comes from this story. Having seen this movie several times, I’m sure my readers will love it as much as I have. Friends, get your tickets here and check out the trailer below!

Overall, this is a musical to get excited over. This is why I’m excited to share that one Theladyprefers2save.com reader will have the awesome opportunity to view the Journey to Bethlehem film themselves. Plus, entering is as simple as leaving a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film in theatres this season. Good luck, all!

Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

What happens when we die? It’s the question we all ask ourselves at one time or another. A topic that is the focal point of the new documentary, After Death, from Angel Studios, the creators of Sound of Freedom, comes After Death, a film that explores the phenomenon known as near-death experiences, or NDEs—experiences that are said to take place either when a person is clinically dead or nearing death’s door.

Director Stephen Gray weaves together three distinct narratives- First-person accounts of multiple NDEs, dramatizations of those who have had experiences, or brushes with death, and commentary from physicians, clergy, and experts who’ve studied NDEs.

Stories include pilot Dale Black, who on July 18, 1969, in Burbank, California, as a small engine flight passenger crashed into a mausoleum. Describing the event as “I suddenly found myself above the crash site but unaware of what I was looking at or why. I was not in any pain; I was not in any fear or discomfort. I was just above the crash site.”

While physicians resuscitated Black he believes he began experiencing what life after death entails. Describing the event as “I can’t be dead because I’ve never felt more alive, free.”

Other stories depict Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, whose vehicle was hit head-on by a semi on a rainy bridge, believing himself to have been killed instantly, rending his body horrifically mangled.

Other mentions include Howard Storm, author of My Descent Into Death, who suffered a ruptured small intestine and found himself having sepsis and dying in a Paris hospital. Or Dr. Mary Neal, author of To Heaven and Back, having descended from a waterfall in Peru while kayaking, found herself trapped below water, for nearly 30 minutes, and clinically dying as a result.

Betwixt dramatic stories of death, resuscitation, and the hereafter, experts describe the commonalities in NDEs: a sense of floating above their bodies and seeing themselves; experiencing a higher power or divinity; a desire to stay in heaven; to find their body.

“I think the near-death Experience is where science meets religion,” says cardiologist and author of the 1982 book Recollections of Death, Dr. Michael Sabom. With thirty years of research that has challenged common and prolific skepticism regarding the claims about the ofter life. That “there is a big difference between proof and evidence. This is all evidence. But enough evidence at some point makes it so close to proof that most people would say it’s right. It’s real.”

Later, famed scientist, Dr. Sabom adds, “I don’t think we ever will have all the answers in the scientific realm. What is the human soul? Is there a human soul? Does it live after death? I don’t think science is gonna answer those questions. I think all of these near-death experiences suggest that it’s possible.”

After Death spends the majority of its run time exploring, dramatizing, and exploring the transcendent nature of NDEs as Christians, speaking specifically about meeting Christ, deceased loved ones, and the momentary reset of heaven. Thoughts that were quite overwhelming to the average human being. Stories are often accompanied by spectacular visuals, interesting educational perspectives, and the truest essence of change-human hope.

In all, the film frames near-death experiences in a broadly Christian way. With director Stephen Gray stating that, “I hope [After Death] causes people to stop and think. [I hope] it’ll cause people to pause and consider eternity.” A perspective found in other documentaries. Linked to having a relationship with Jesus Christ and comingling our own cultural humanistic beliefs in the hereafter. Describes an overall universalistic stance that regardless of cultural and religious perspectives, death comes for us all, and it’s our own experiences, our own beliefs in God, his heavenly love, and light, that make the difference.

In all, After Death, delivers a provocative look at the subject of near-death experiences. However, the theological caveats may not be an experience shared by every family. Including those, like myself, who have yet to come to terms with the three NDEs I, too, have endured. Overall, this film is well worth viewing this season in theatres and at home, starting today, 10/27. Or purchase tickets for others and pay it forward, here.

Moreover, the good people at Momentum are offering two tickets to a lucky Theladyprefers2save.com reader to see After Death in theatres, now. To enter, comment on this post letting me know why you want to see the film. Please note: This is limited to US winners only; your tickets with be delivered by email directly from Mometumn Publishers.

Friends, have you experienced an NDE or know those who have? Are you wanting to see After Death? Leave your thoughts below.

Interesting fact- in my late teens I became a fan of the long-running television series, “Duck Dynasty,” the A&E Network series about a duck-hunter, whistle-blowing, manufacturing family, the Robertsons. Including their patriarch and founder, Phil Robertson. Despite our not-so-shared views on politics, theology, near-constant publicized faux-pas, and hunting, Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson became both a reality TV star and someone I admire for his frankness and family ties.

Set amongst the turbulence of the deep south in the early 1960s, the film, The Blind, showcases the true story of clandestine love between Phil Robertson, the Robertson clan leader, his future wife, Miss Kay, and what would become of his clandestine family. Despite personal, and professional demons threatening to tear not only their personal and professional lives apart, but also delay, and ultimately destroy his dreams of being an American footballer and businessman, The Blind speaks to audiences of a desire to conquer all of life’s greatest roles- life, liberty, and most importantly, love.

Set in the backwoods swamps of 1960s Louisiana, The Blind shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil Robertson’s personal story. Chronicling his sojourn from student-athlete to recovering addict, the ultimate struggles that freed a man from the slow grip of relapsing alcohol and substance abuse, the coping mechanisms used to conquer the shame of his past, and ultimately finding redemption in the most unlikely of places, a newly forged family, and most importantly, God.

A cinematic journey chronicling personal demons and the breaking of familiar struggles, all while creating a lasting, solidified story of love, creativity, and the personal vindication of self. The true story of the Robertson family- a love that launched a dynasty only in theatres beginning 09/28! Click here to find showtimes in your area, inquire about group rates, view with your local church groups, and purchase tickets online to see this film.

Moreover, the good people as Momemtumn, are offering one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to win their own ticket to see this film. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post or accompanying social media outlets, listed below, for your chance to enter into a drawing for a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card– a fun, festive way to treat yourself after seeing this awesome film in theatres only, this season.

Friends, you’ll want to see this film-trust me. Now, I have to ask, why do you want to see The Bind in theatres this season? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. And of course, Happy Fall, ya’ll.

Facebook –Instagram -Twitter

Thanks to Amazon Freevee for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

I love few things more than spending time each fall watching quality documentaries and series that better my world perspective. A small tradition Uncle Danny had as a child, and eventually, with me. Time to rewind, relax, and reenvelop my belief in the human spirit each autumn at home. Which, for me, now includes Freevee’s “God. Family. Football” series.

The Freevee six-episode series, titled God. Family. Football., debuting September 1, 2023, created and produced by Aaron Benward of Watershed and Russell Wilson, the Broncos QB, produced by Propagate and Ascending Media Group, shares the coming-of-age story of a group of young, high school Christian athletes, led by Denny Duron, the legendary high school football coach and former American football player who played for the Louisiana Tech from 1970 to 1973. Later he served as a head football coach at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, from 1977 to 1982.

Currently, serving as the chancellor at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. Returning from retirement to oversee the football team he started in the southern community of Shreveport, Louisiana. Helping the student-led effort to recover from a decades-long slump, as seen in the brutal 0-9 2020 season. Coach Denny comes out of retirement at seventy to commander the team into a better, more well-rounded program. Changes that lead to drama along the way.

With an optimistic outlook toward life, Coach Denny inspires the new team to rally around him in his calling for youth-led greatness. Encouraging players to take up the mantle of post-pandemic high school sports, while learning to become the great team and teammates, the veteran player knows his fledgling team can become.

Alongside Denny, a number of different student-athletes are also interviewed throughout the season. Featuring a myriad of troubling moments for the adolescent players, as well. Plus, a sprinkling of romance, in and off the field, too. As players explore and compare their roles as student-athletes, and adolescents, along with being Christian adolescents. As the series progresses, the student-athletes rely on football, with its many practices, to guide them down both the field- of life and the game.

This docuseries features much on-the-field tribulation, from tackles to plays, sharing the progression of the players throughout the season. With the tribulations of adolescence shaping both the time and scoreboard. The varied synchronicities of life on and off the field. The final episode shares a montage of various unseen episodes of the student’s season-long turnaround.

God. Family. Football. uses the medium of film to reeducate viewers on the sport as well as a reference for facing the problems facing small-town southern life. It’s as much about a high school football team’s personal and sports comeback. A mission leading not only to a football program’s reemergence in forming a new, stellar national prominence but also speaks to the heart of personal growth for players and coaches alike. The academy, winners of 29 District Championships, 14 State Championships, and 1 National Title, had its worst season in 2020, scoring 0-9. It turned its team around a year later, as Duron came out of his 30-year retirement to lead the football program, and its students, to excellence on and off the field.

Executive Producer Russell Wilson was inspired by “Duron’s faith-first approach to the game.” An overall winning formula for success, is “God first, family second, and football third.” The docuseries shows that football, indeed, matches the season-long belief. Giving more than a cursory glance into where the game of football displays the rigors the young men will take throughout their lives.

Learning about the players’ personal lives, God. Family. Football also shares how many of Evangel Christian Academy’s best and brightest behave on and off the field. From pep talks and training sessions, to harder issues over life choices, this series has something for everyone. Showcasing the team’s beautifully delivered and continued message of God and glory, mixed with Southern charm and friendliness shown as both solid and palpable for viewers of all ages. God. Family. Football establishes a genuine sense of camaraderie between the players and inspires viewers, too! The docuseries present this team in all of their togetherness-perfect for viewers of all ages.

The series sincerely explores the student-athlete’s vulnerabilities in a time-honored way. Making this documentary perfect for viewers of all ages. For viewers looking to pack their seasonal evenings with feel-good television and streaming, God. Family. Football is a must-watch. As Amazon Freevee is a premium free streaming service. Where you can watch thousands of hit movies, shows, originals, and live 24/7 entertainment channels to match your at-home seasonal mood.

To get started, download the Amazon Freevee app to get started. Then, simply watch God. Family. Football for free on Fire TV, Roku, the Amazon Freevee app, Prime Video, or your favorite streaming device. As Freevee is free it always will be streaming to consumers with no cost, no subscription, and no payments. Just free, premium, quality hit movies and shows on demand. Supported by Ads, so you’ll never need to pay any subscription fees to watch your favorite shows and movies all season long. So, give this series a try.

Plus, check out Freevee across social media at @AmazonFreevee on Instagram, Twitter, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. There, you’ll find thousands of hit movies, shows, Freevee Originals, and live 24/7 entertainment to match your seasonal mood on your favorite streaming services.

Moreover, the great folks at Momentum Publishing are giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader the opportunity to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, please watch God. Family. Football. streaming now, for free, on Amazon Freevee on September 1st, 2023. Then come back to this post and leave me a message letting me and other readers know why this is the must-see series this season. Bonus points for including #GodFamilyFootballFV and #GodFamilyFootballMIN on this post and across social media. There, I will choose one response from this site, and across social media as a winner. This giveaway ends on 9/5/23 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be rewarded directly from Momentum publishers. Good luck, friends!

Now, I have to ask, what’s your favorite part of the Freevee six-episode series, God. Family. Football.?

Many thanks to Briarcliff Entertainment, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

With the fall season quickly approaching, and with many kiddos entering, and reentering the halls of academia, there’s never been a better time to head to the theaters and watch a new film. Especially, when it involves hard work, grit, baseball, and even apple pie. Making the upcoming film, The Hill, directed by Jeff Celentano, produced by Warren Ostergard and Jeff Celentano, and starring Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Bonnie Bedelia, and Scott Glenn ideal for kiddos of all ages. Now, you may be asking, is this film appropriate for your kiddos? I recently had the opportunity to review the movie before it is out in theaters this season, on August 25, 2023.

The Hill is based on the true story of Rickey Hill, a pastor who despite facing great personal struggles, played in Major League Baseball, despite growing up wearing restrictive, cumbersome leg braces. While facing down his greatest obstacle, his father, who greatly desired his need for his son to take on a community pastoral position, over popularized league sports, including baseball.

Despite his initial personal struggles, and Rickey’s dad’s earnest desire to see his only son become a man of God, his son eagerly wanted to find his vocation on the dugout mound. Turning his father, slowly, and deliberately, by way of his hard work and dedication, into not only his most ardent supporter but as a man truly grateful to God for his son’s earnest athletic endeavors. A life of his own making-where God, and playing ball, can coexist hand-in-hand.

Head down to the end of this post for your chance to enter to win a ticket to see this film yourself!

Is The Hill Movie Great for Families?

This true-life story of Ricky Hill’s improbable journey to play Major League Baseball opens in theaters on August 25, 2023. Making this PG-rated film, despite its sometimes course language and parental guidance rating, perfect for audiences of all persuasions. A great Christian-themed film about perseverance, faith, and following your dreams- the possibility that all things, truly are, and without end, are tenable through God.

Plus, there are several amazing themes sprinkled throughout the film. Making the piece great as a conversation starter for families of all persuasions. Especially with fairness and dreams being frequent discussions around schooltime dinner tables. Making this film a morality booster for children of various age groups.

With this film being only 2 hours in length, kiddos of all ages will easily be able to digest its positive messaging, great scenery, and constructive dialogue seen throughout the film-this film is sure to keep the interest all season long!

Including teenagers. An hour into the movie, the lead, Rickey, and his teenage girlfriend, are able to discuss various layered plots including teenage relationships with God, educational disparities, as well as how young love can navigate small-town living post-graduation. And while this film is Christian in nature, both believers and nonbelievers can easily and earnestly get behind the film’s true basis-how to facilitate lives where one can truly have it all.

As the film focuses on the varied aspects of Rickey Hill, an American minor league baseball player of the 1970s, both as an outfielder and first baseman, Hill is able to use weave aspects of his childhood and adolescence into a narrative of change, probability, and hope for moviegoers. The film is both aspiration and inspirational throughout its viewing.

Final Thoughts

This film, with Dennis Quaid, as James Hill, Colin Ford, as Rickey Hill, Joelle Carter, as Hellen Hill, and supporting roles from
Jesse Berry as young Rickey Hill, and Scott Glenn as Red Murff, the MLB scout who discovers Rickey, are sure to delight audiences of all ages and religious orientations. Making this film the one to see during the dog days of summer in your area.

Watch the trailer, here. You can also purchase tickets today, here.

Giveaway

And without further fanfare, be sure to enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, leave me a comment below or on social media letting me know why you’d want to see The Hill this film in theaters. Which, of course, you plan to see on August 25, 2023, too! Friends, will you be going to see The Hill? Leave me your thoughts below!