New Releases from Bridgestone Multimedia Group (Reviews)

I was sent another batch of new releases from Bridgestone Multimedia Group a couple of weeks ago, and took advantage of myself and the girls being laid up with a nasty head cold to watch these while the girls napped.  If you are not familiar with Bridgestone Multimedia Group, they are "a leading Christian media provider, offering family and faith-based entertainment products that inspire and spread the message of hope."  Their selection of movies run the gamut, from dramas and comedies to children's videos and music, documentaries, fitness workouts, adventures, and educational videos, they offer something the whole family can enjoy together.  Now you can't say that about many of the movies out there today.  When I watch these films, I don't have to worry about quickly running to shut the television off or muting the volume to block out obscenities, or get embarrassed by what the girls see on the screen, as I know that these movies are created for families in mind.  All of the films I have received from Bridgestone Multimedia Group have been "Dove Approved" from the Dove Foundation.  I trust this approval above the motion picture ratings on most films, and always turn to this site when looking for a good wholesome family film to enjoy with my family.

Below are the movies I was sent to enjoy, along with thoughts on each.  It was hard choosing a favorite, but I have to say I really enjoyed Healed by Grace and A Letter Writer.  If you are looking for a great Christian-based film to share with your family, why not consider the following titles?  You will not be disappointed!

Buy now for only $16.96.

Synopsis:

"When a horrific accident shatters her dreams of becoming a world class dancer, Riley Adams (Natalie Weese) clings to her faith, determined to recover in time for the national competition. Refusing to let rival dance student Alea's merciless teasing for Riley's Christian beliefs stand in her way, Riley fights to regain mobility. When the college student discovers equine therapy, she develops a special bond with a beautiful mare named Grace and finds an unexpected romance.

From the excitement of elite dance competition to the heartwarming horse ranch where Riley rediscovers her will to succeed, Healed By Grace is a charming and heart-wrenching reminder that God's grace can appear in the most unexpected places. Awarded the Dove Foundation's highest honor of five doves, writer/director David Matthew Weese's movie tells a crowd-pleasing story of courage and faith that the entire family will enjoy."

My Thoughts:

Like I said, this was one of my favorite movies from the sampling I was sent.  Tweens and teens will enjoy watching this movie about hope and perseverance.  When Riley gets into a car accident, her dreams of being a dancer are almost washed away.  But, she will do anything to get back out there and dance.  She turns her life over to God for direction, and is surprised as the path he has set for her.  Without hesitation, she goes along and discovers things about herself she never knew, falls in love and eventually regains the confidence and courage to to follow her dreams, including dance.  

Truly an amazing film that will you have smiling at the end.  The actors in the movie work well together, and really make for a memorable movie, that the whole family can enjoy together, and talk about afterwards. 

-----

Buy now for only $16.96.

Synopsis:

"Written, directed, and produced by Rob Diamond, Saint Street follows the life of Percy, a good man who becomes focused on making money rather than spending time with his family. On Christmas Eve, he breaks yet another promise to his wife and children to leave work early and misses the annual Christmas party. After repeated warnings to change his ways, Percy suffers a serious car accident that causes him to lose everything, including his family, job, and the use of his legs.

Confined to a wheelchair and homeless, Percy is humbled into living with misfits in the gritty world of Saint Street. Yet, godly examples surface in the most unlikely places, showing Percy that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel in this traditional Christmas story of faith, hope, and redemption."

My Thoughts:

This holiday based movie reminded me of Scrooge, as Percy as many of the characteristics Scrooge did, and doesn't come to realize what he has until it is too late.  This humbling story of faith, hope and redemption will have you looking at your life in a different light and making changes show that those you love know how much they mean to you.  

Will Percy get his family and life back?  I will not spoil the ending for you. You'll just have to pick up a copy of this movie and watch for yourself.  I love uplifting holiday films, and this one really resonated with me.  I have since recommended it to family and friends, as a must see family film.

----

 
Buy now for only $16.96.

Synopsis:
 
"Caleb (Randy Wayne) is a teenager who dreams of becoming a sponsored skater and escaping his troubled life. When the teen finds a stack of old love letters between his ill, overworked mother (Rosanna Arquette) and absent father (John Schneider), Caleb sets out to find the dad he's never known and discovers that he has lived in an adjacent town his son's whole life.

As Caleb learns to let go of his anger and pain and forgive those who have hurt him the most, he inadvertently begins a journey he never could have expected. Featuring cameos from skateboarding legends Christian Hosoi and Brian Sumner, Hardflip is "a fantastic story of hope" that earned the Dove Foundation's highest honor of five doves."

My Thoughts


This is a great movie about the power of forgiveness, and how you can achieve great things and feel weight lifted once you forgive and move on.  Young audiences will be drawn to the main character, Caleb and the sport of skateboarding.  I always enjoy watching John Schneider in films like this, and his presence, along with Rosanna Arquette, make for a compelling story.  While many teens bottle up their anger and frustration, this film does an amazing job in sharing how with the help of God and your own ability to forgive others can really make you a better person,  all without being preachy.  Definitely a film worth watching together as a family and talking about afterwards.

----

Buy now for only $16.96.

Synopsis:
 
"When Maggy Fuller (Aley Underwood) receives an anonymous letter full of praise and encouragement, she can't imagine who would say such wonderful things to her. After all, the rebellious teenager is practically invisible to her dad and a disappointment to her mom. Her search for the mysterious letter's author leads her Sam Worthington (Bernie Diamond), an aging man in a rest home who tries to change the world using a pen name, a phone book, and one handwritten note at a time.

Maggy's unlikely new friend seems to know her better than anyone and inspires her to become a letter writer, too, but a string of struggles in her personal, school, and home life test her faith, forcing her to continue her search for her own purpose in life."

My Thoughts 

-----

Buy now for only $16.96.

Synopsis:

"Starring Patty Duke (The Miracle Worker), Sean Astin (Rudy, Forever Strong), and Erin Bethea (Fireproof), Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea follows four teens who embark on a weekend camping trip with their youth group leader, Stuart (Astin), and his wife (Bethea). When an outsider, Ashley, unexpectedly joins Steve, Carrie, Cooper, and Gameboy, the materialistic and self-involved young woman's bad attitude leads to a confrontation with Carrie.

Hoping to heal the rift, Stuart shares the story of the Old Testament prophet Hosea. Now, it's up to the teens to decide if this powerful example of faith and commitment inspires them to open their hearts in this modern-day example of unconditional love."

My Thoughts:

Similiar to the previous title geared towards teens (Hardflip), this film is more faith based, as it also deals with the power of forgiveness and unconditional love.  This film would be great to watch with your youth group, in hopes to inspire them and have them talk openly about their faith and direction in life.  It will engage and empower those who watch this film, and strengthen their faith in God.

----

 
Buy now for only $33.96.

Synopsis:
 
"Follow the unforgettable adventures of Amanda Elizabeth Shaw in this boxed set of the Mandie trilogy. Based on the popular book series by Lois Gladys Leppard, this series is set in the early 1900s and boasts a delightful cast of characters, who in the tradition of Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables, learn valuable lessons as they conquer hardships, solve mysteries, and celebrate life's triumphs.

First, Mandie (Lexi Johnson, The Sugar Creek Gang) escapes her stepmother's malicious plans and discovers her true heritage in Mandie and the Secret Tunnel featuring Dean Jones. Next, she embarks on a harrowing journey to outwit evil conspirators and face the secrets of Lost Antler Cave in Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure, which includes a special appearance by Hayley Mills. Finally, Mandie (Kelly Lynn Washington) adjusts to life at a school for girls and stumbles upon a mystery in a forbidden attic in Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas. Each DVD may also be purchased separately."

My Thoughts 


I am still working on reviewing this 3-DVD, but have already watched Mandie and the Secret Tunnel and am itching to get to the other two titles, especially the Christmas one.  If you were a fan of Anne of Green Gables, then you will fall in love with Mandie, as this series has the same feel.  Each DVD offers a heartfelt story, while sharing valuable life lessons that make you take a step back and reexamine the direction you are taking.  After watching the remaining two DVDs, I will be picking up Lois Gladys Leppard's books, in which this series was based, to compare and enjoy.



Disclosure: I was sent samples of the above DVDs from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.