celebration_kids

The grandfather figure (Chap) is dealing with the recent loss of his wife and it's made him reclusive and grouchy. Circumstances force him to put aside his hurt in favor of helping others and processing his grief in a healthier way. I really enjoyed Steve J. Young as Chap. He seemed like someone you'd just want to hug in church. Cassidy, the little girl, knows NOTHING, absolutely nothing of the true Christmas story and she begins to learn all about it in such a sweet way that it was a genuine pleasure to watch. The villain, Eddie, does a good job of being believable. I only wish they had called the sheriff on him at some point. I can't say I'm a fan of actress Tara Reid who played the long-distance daughter, Laura, sporting raccoon looking eye-makeup, but she was not the main focus thankfully because in my opinion her acting was sub-par compared with the rest of the cast. Overall, I needed a tissue a couple of times, I appreciated the rural Kentucky ranch town that I would welcome visiting, loved how the "family" came together, the kindness of nice-guy Tyler (played by Randy Wayne) who's role is appropriate... showing a bit of romantic interest without being over the top because it's such a new relationship and I liked that. The manger story was thoughtfully and gently shared in a unique way. Although it's not a big box office budget it does not come off as a cheesy low-budget film. Most the actors did a good job. I would watch it again and recommend it to friends and family.

🎄 {Not really a spoiler, but for parents with young children, there is one scene where Chap gets punched in the face and is knocked unconscious, head bleeding from whatever he fell on. This happens when Eddie shows up in the dark at the manger, so you can have your kids look away at that point}.

Complete waste of time. A house full of self-absorbed millennials. Ep 1 features Grant (Greg Sulkin) mostly hanging out shirtless, and having a threesome w/2 girls, one he just met at the grocery store, who then leaves as they all thank each other. It's presented so casually that it's meant to be quite normal. 4 of the 5 characters come off quite stupid, literally. It was rather sad to see Greg Sulkin in such a role because I have seen him in an interview where he comes off quite intelligent. This whole thing seems like and amped up Disney sitcom pushing boundaries. Sad.

This movie is based on a true story. I just saw it in the theater with my friend last night 9/1/17. It was the 2nd week of release and the theater was about 40% full, which was nice for a Christian movie. It's about a former paper salesman who has problems with authority. He's tossed in his salesman hat, for a pastorship in the Episcopal church. The Bishop Council start him off easy with a failing church in TN, of about a dozen people. He is meant to be a temporary fill-in while they get ready to sell off the property and close the church. However, he feels a connection and wants to do more than just close the doors and usher everyone out. He decides to hang some flyers around town inviting people in for those last few visits. Little does he know, real people in need are about to show up, and completely change his way of thinking. He and his family go on a journey that will bring them real connection. It's not easy, and God's ways are not always clear. It's not an over the top wow movie, but the quality is good and we both enjoyed this story. It's real life, and people striving to be better. I recommend it for adults. I doubt young kids would enjoy sitting through it for very long, but there's nothing bad in it if you choose to watch it with them. John Corbett is an enjoyable actor and elevates the movie. Barry Corbin plays a cantankerous long time local who also adds depth to the story. I thought they could have gone even further with his character. **SPOILERS FOLLOW** There were times in the movie when John Corbett looks pasty white out in the fields. I thought they were preparing him for a heart attack or something. But, no. That did not happen. The little boy was super pale (not tanned) which was not realistic for a kid supposedly working several days in the fields. He would either be burnt or tanned. So that's just a random detail that didn't fit the story I noticed. I found it interesting that a Bishop stepping down from his position, was enough to pay off the enormous mortgage of the church, and the debt that Rev. Spurlock had personally incurred in trying to save the church. It was commendable the Bishop choose to do so, but why are Bishops being paid that much to begin with? Food for thought. I also was bummed the Council choose to move him and his family away to NY at the end, and let a more seasoned pastor or reverend (?) take over. I know he has remained friends with that congregation, but still would have been nice to let him stay and grow with them. Just my opinion of course, and I realize God could use him anywhere. :)