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| (Be sure to read all the way to end for a chance to win a copy!) |
One night last week, the weather was miserable. The snow was continuing to come down with freezing cold temperatures. The wind was insane (even by Central IL standards). Our family seemed to be in that cabin fever mode where the bickering was escalating and the smiles were diminishing.
It was time for a diversion. It was time for everyone to be on the same page and enjoying being a family.
That meant it was time for some snacks to be prepared and a family movie to come out. Otherwise, this mom may have had to pull out a few more hairs. Umm....not that she admits to already having pulled out a few earlier in the day. :)
Many of you KNOW that it isn't an easy task for a family that chooses to be set apart from the world's standards by what they watch and listen to. Finding family movies that exhibit the values we hold dear is HARD. When we do find them, I love to tell about them.
I was thrilled to have the chance to review "A Mile in his Shoes". Knowing that it carried the Dove Foundation FIVE dove rating and suitability for all ages, meant I knew it would be appropriate for our family. Knowing that it was presented by Thomas Kinkade was also another clue that it was family friendly.
Not only was it appropriate, it was GREAT! It's one of those that we know we won't be watching just one time. It's one that I'm happy to have in our media library!
It is a heartwarming story of overcoming odds. One that leaves you feeling inspired to fight your own battles with no excuses. It shows the power of friendship. It shows the power of someone recognizing something special in you and believing in you. It shows that obstacles (in the character's case: Asperger's syndrome/Autism) don't make you unusable.
Faith is obviously shown. Families pray together. A Bible is visibly seen.
Yet, it isn't so "cheesy" perfect that it becomes unbelievable or boring. There are a few scenes that show "real" world issues. Jealousy leads another player to scheme and cause harm to a player (though very little of the actual violence is shown). Teasing of the main character for being different happens in a couple of places (but the message is clearly made that it will not be tolerated on any level). A party scene is briefly shown---though no actual alcohol or sexual images are shown. No curse words are spoken (Bullshoot---is said once).
Even these "negative" aspects of the world are done in such a way that it doesn't distract from the family friendly appropriateness. It is done to show how God redeems and forgives. It shows restitution and lives being changed. It definitely opens the doors for some great conversations! Though our entire family enjoyed the movie greatly, I do mostly recommend it for middle elementary age and up. My five year old just didn't find it appealing to him other than the baseball scenes. Our older kids LOVED it.
Those are my thoughts, here are some "official" thoughts and actual synopsis of the movie:
From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".
Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2T0BFetH4
Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewmasterframe.asp
Here is your chance to win a copy! Comment with the name of your favorite family friendly movie (hey...I need some new suggestions in case you know of some we may have not seen!!). Be sure to leave your name and email (if I don't already have it!). One winner will receive a copy of the DVD. Giveaway will end on the 24th.
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1 comment:
This movie sounds great! We, too, are always looking for family friendly movies, and they are SO hard to come by. Our favorite all around family friendly movie lately is...well, actually, I have to mention 2. :) The one I was originally going to say is Soul Surfer. We have an almost 5 year old daughter, and I was a little worried about her watching the actual shark scene. :/ I have to say though that she LOVES that movie and even ASKS to watch it on long road trips when she has her dvd player, etc. Also, she can tell you everything you need to know about Bethany Hamilton and loves to sing songs from the movie. I love that she looks at her as a role model because I think she is a pretty darn good one!! Also though, I wanted to mention Dolphin Tale. We were/are HUGE fans of that movie, too! Such a sweet, sweet story and very appropriate even for the younger ones like my daughter especially if you have an animal lover in your family as we do. :)
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