Synopsis

 

Director Steven Spielberg is more of an auteur than given recognition for. “The Films of Steven Spielberg” examines the maturation of a filmmaker through movies that reflect the director’s own life, fascinations, and obsessions. Spielberg’s upbringing and foray into the 1970s Hollywood business structure show us the origin of themes that are constantly present in Spielberg’s films such as fatherhood, World War II, and his collaboration with composer John Williams. Although mainstream cinema has become dominated by franchises – Spielberg has proven to be routinely ahead of his time in the post-9/11 era.

 

 

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Review

 

This book may be small but it is filled with information you never knew (or maybe you did) about Steven Spielberg. I will admit that I don’t know much about the man other than he directed many films that I have enjoyed and some that I have not seen but you have heard of like Jaws.

I was impressed with the depth of the research into this man, his life, and the films he produced. It is an entertaining story and I’m sure a lot more could have been written about this legend in the film world.

There are footnotes, but since I read the eBook, I wasn’t able to reference the footnote while reading along. I didn’t mind but sometimes it is interesting to find out the sources of information at that moment.

This is a book I might never have picked up if someone hadn’t shared it with me. I’m glad that they did as I enjoyed learning more about Spielberg and how he ended up with a fascinating career.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Michael Jolls is the author of the books, “The Films of Steven Spielberg” (2018), “Rev. William Netstraeter: A Life in Three Parts” (2019) and “Make Hollywood Great Again” (2020). He also worked as assistant editor on “David Fincher: Interviews” (2014) for the University Press of Mississippi.

Jolls is a producer to over a hundred various films, videos, shorts including “6 Rules” (2011), “Cathedral of the North Shore” (2013), “The Great Chicago Filmmaker” (2015), “#SelfieGuy: A Very Merry Christmas Special” (2015) and “Sell Me This Pen” (2018) and “A Sad State of Affairs” (2020).

 

Check out this NEW romantic comedy coming soon to theaters near you!  It is from the creators of Once I Was a Beehive, called ONCE I WAS ENGAGED! When Bree Carrington gets engaged while at BYU Hawaii, her loving but over-the-top mom goes all out to create the wedding of the century. But both mother and daughter must overcome the pressure of perfection when this happily ever after story doesn’t go quite as expected.

 

 

 

 

Press Release

 

Advance tickets are now on sale for ONCE I WAS ENGAGED – the eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning, smash-hit ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE – the film opens exclusively in Utah theatres on Friday, July 21 before expanding to Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada on August 6 and nationally on August 13. Written and directed by Maclain Nelson, ONCE I WAS ENGAGED brings back all the original film’s favorite cast of characters, including Bree (Clare Niederpruem), Holly (Hailey Smith), Lane (Paris Warner), and of course, Carrie Carrington (Lisa Valentine Clark). And this film introduces a couple of key new characters, including Curt Carrington; Carrie’s husband and Bree’s father, played by High School Musical’s Bart Johnson; and Thys Chesterfield, played by Studio C’s Tanner Gillman.

“Fans have been screaming for a sequel ever since we released the first film,” exclaimed Nelson. “And we are beyond excited for everyone to get back to the movie theatre and experience the next chapter in the lives of their favorite campers.”

The story takes place about two years after ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE. The young women and their leaders have grown up (some more than others), and Bree’s surprise engagement and the whirlwind of wedding planning brings them all back together – with hilarious and touching results.

“This movie is the warmest and funniest thing you’ll see this year,” quipped Lisa Valentine Clark. “Not to mention audiences get to see some men in the mix this time. We added the one-and-only Bart Johnson and the charming and hilarious Tanner Gillman. I’m not going to say they steal the show, but I’m not going to not say that either. You’ll just have to come see for yourself.”

Even though the story is a sequel to the first film, audiences will also get to see the original girls as their much younger selves for the first time. “I won’t give away too much, but old and new fans alike get to learn so much more history of the girls,” explained Clare Niederpruem, who plays Bree. “Audiences will absolutely adore them, and who knows, maybe there’s a prequel story to BEEHIVE that needs to be told.”

In the years since ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE was released, many cast members have been busy in the entertainment industry, especially Clare Niederpruem. ENGAGED signals her first return to being in front of the camera in quite a few years. “We’re so excited to celebrate at the premiere and mingle with the fans. We want this to be the party of the summer,” said Niederpruem who has become a sought-after director for feature films, TV movies and TV series, including an adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN and multiple TV movies for the Hallmark Channel.

 

 

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Second chances start when a hardened criminal crosses paths with a precocious little girl who is helped by an angel to change hearts during the holiday season.

 

I was asked to watch and review this movie. What they should have said, is to have a box of tissue by your side because you will be blubbering like a baby.  This story is gut-wrenching and touching all at the same time. It is a perfect movie for the holidays because it reminds us that life is about faith and where that faith can take you if you will only believe.

The actress that plays Lucy Shimmer is darling and she is full of faith that her parents have taught her. Her faith is incredibly strong and she sees only the good in people and wants them to know that they are loved.  This is especially true of Edgar, the prisoner in the hospital with failing kidneys.

Lucy is loved by her family but they don’t always believe her especially when she tells them she can see Grandpa Jackson who died the previous year. He is definitely an angel watching over Lucy. He is even her partner in crime when she is hospitalized with pneumonia and Lucy realizes that the sad man in her dreams is none other than Edgar. Grandpa Jackson helps create diversions so that Lucy can get into his room and talk to him and encourage him to not give up on life, even though she doesn’t realize that is what she is doing.

While I suspected how the movie would end, it still didn’t stop the onslaught of tears running down my face.

Definitely, a must-watch for the holiday season, or really any time of the year.

We give this movie 5 paws up!

 

 

 

 

IMDB

 

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Press Release

 

ROB DIAMOND’S NEW FEATURE FILM LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE ANNOUNCES RELEASE

-Film debuts on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, Nov. 27 and Living Scriptures on Dec. 4

 

Salt Lake City – Writer, Director, and Producer Rob Diamond announced today that his new film, LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE will be released on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, November 27, and then on Living Scriptures on Friday, December 4.

LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE is Diamond’s 15^th feature film and was produced completely in Utah early in 2020. “I can truly say that this is my favorite film I’ve ever made,” said Diamond. “The inspiration for the film came from a dream I had and then the story and the entire production came together absolutely seamlessly.”

LUCY SHIMMERS tells the story of five-year-old Lucy and the incredible influence she has on those around her, especially hardened criminal Edgar. Lucy, with the help of her guardian angel, create miracles that change his heart and inspire a second chance in his life.

The film features mostly local talent, including Shawn Stevens as Grandpa Jackson, Adam Hightower as James Shimmers, and Florencia Stevens as Isabelle Shimmers. In addition, the film stars well-known actor Vincent Vargas (THE MAYANS) and newcomer Scarlett Diamond in the title role of Lucy.

Scarlett Diamond just so happens to be the granddaughter of filmmaker Rob Diamond.
“Granted I’m biased, but Scarlett was absolutely incredible. She is only five-years-old and this was her first major speaking role and she proved she’s a natural!” proclaimed Diamond.

In addition to writing, directing, and producing, Diamond also operates an acting studio and many of the actors in the film are current and former Diamond students. The film was shot entirely on location in Salt Lake City and Heber, Utah early in 2020. “Our last day of filming was literally the day before Utah shut down in March because of the pandemic,” said Diamond.

 

 

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Synopsis

 

A Congolese man runs from a terrible accident and finds himself at a revolutionary camp, where he is told that he has a great destiny. He tries to escape and start a new life by going to another town, joining a new religion, and becoming a missionary. Ultimately, though, he finds himself back in the very place he had tried to leave. He must face his fears and his shame—but also his magnificent possibilities.

Heart of Africa is the first full-length, faith-based film to come out of the nascent Democratic Republic of Congo film movement. After decades of colonial oppression and civil war, the country’s scars run deep. Cinema is emerging as a cathartic new medium, and director Tshoper Kabambi is a leader of a new kind of revolution: one driven by stories that he hopes will heal the hearts of his people and the DR Congo.

 

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Press Release

 

“HEART OF AFRICA is such an important film from a Black filmmaker who has dedicated almost everything to create and present it,” said Arthur VanWagenen, product director for Excel Entertainment and Deseret Book. “Kabambi’s devotion to share this story can’t be overstated. In a true example of life imitating art, the film’s message of overcoming adversity by placing our lives in the Lord’s hands is now happening in real life for Tshoper.

He came to the United States for the film’s release, and because of the pandemic, Tshoper has been unable to return to his family in the Congo.”

HEART OF AFRICA is the first ever Congolese-American production of a feature film and was written by Tshoper Kabambi and Margaret Blair Young. The film was produced by Bruce Young, Margaret Blair Young, Tshoper Kabambi, Ephraim Faith Byikana, and Deborah Basa. Sponsors include Bimpa Production, Congo Rising Corporation, and Heart of Africa LLC.

Proceeds from the film will generate funds for humanitarian work and aid in the Congo, primarily in health and innovative education to assist the people of the Congo in becoming more self-reliant. In addition, proceeds will be used to help revitalize the film and cinema industry in the Congo.

 

Trailer

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This movie tells the story of one man torn between his roots in a violent faction to a new Christian life.  It is not an easy journey for him but looking at the two different worlds, perhaps choosing the one that is more calm and peaceful is the right choice to make.

I can’t imagine what people endure living in the Congo, but this movie gives us a brief glimpse into that world. Life is hard for everyone, but joy can be found in the simplest of things. Gabriel is a tortured character not knowing what path he should take.  He signs up to be a missionary because they offer food and lodging. That may be his initial desire, but working alongside other missionaries to rebuild an orphanage (named Heart of Africa) turns his thinking upside down.

The characters are interesting and many have their own demons that they are battling. That is part of what helps Gabriel realize that perhaps he isn’t quite as alone as he thinks.  The story also touches on some issues we are experiencing here in the US at this time.  Gabriel’s old faction believes that all white men are out to destroy them or enslave them which couldn’t be further from the truth in this movie. The group cannot distinguish between the Belgian’s that enslaved them and a missionary from the US.  I’m not sure that they ever come to terms that perhaps they are misguided under the current leadership.

This movie is primarily spoken in a native tribal language, Lingala, so there are subtitles.  However, it wasn’t too hard to watch the film and read the subtitles to understand what was going on in the movie. The LDS influence is minor other than the missionaries.

We give this 3 1/2 paws.

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

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Movie Synopsis

Gabriel Ngandu is a young Congolese revolutionary running from the terrible mistakes of his past. His journey of escape leads him to new experiences and even a new religion that challenges long-held beliefs about his destiny and world around him. He find himself torn between the influences and expectations of two very different father figures- Mwabila, his revolutionary leader, and President Kabasubabu, his new religious leader. Called to serve as a missionary, he is sent back to his native village to build an orphanage with Jason Martin, an American who also has a tragic and secret past. Together, they struggle to understand and overcome their histories, cultures, and prejudices to serve the people around them.

Caught between enmity and reconciliation, revenge or forgiveness, intolerance or understanding, they begin to see the potential for a better; more peaceful future for themselves and for the Congo. Worlds finally collide when explosions rock the new orphanage and Kabasubabu is kidnapped by Mwabila’s revolutionaries. Gabriel is faced with choosing between the two different worlds of these father figures… or finding his own path toward a new world inspired by understanding and redemption.

 

Learn more about the movie here

 

 

 

Trailer

 

 

 

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Based on the New York Times best- selling novel by Jason F. Wright

Hope is an aspiring reporter who has had her fair share of tragedy in life. Abandoned at birth, she’s grieving the recent death of her adopted mother when her apartment is burglarized of all her possessions. While reporting the burglary to the police, Hope discovers a jar full of money, labeled “Christmas Jar.” Shocked and grateful for this act of kindness, Hope discovers that people all over her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, have been receiving Christmas Jars for years during times of need. The jars are always anonymous and always contain different amounts. In this heartwarming Christmas classic, Hope goes undercover to discover the secret behind the Christmas jars, putting into motion a series of events that will change her life, and her community, forever.

 

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Review

Before queueing up this movie to watch, make sure you have some tissues on hand because you will need them.  The first couple of minutes packs a punch that had me quite weepy.  The movie moves along and then the last 10-15 minutes had me a sniveling mess once again.  So definitely have those tissues handy and if you don’t, you can’t blame me because I gave you fair warning!

This may be a Christmas movie (that I’m watching in February) but the message is a timeless one – to show kindness to those in need.  Hope is a journalist in training and stumbles across the perfect story for the holidays and the online magazine she works.  In her search for the story behind these Christmas Jars, she stumbles across an amazing family that welcomes her as one of their own.  Hope has a dilemma, does she reveal the truth behind the Christmas Jars, or does she protect this new found friendship?

In case you didn’t figure it out from the first paragraph, this is a heartwarming story that transcends time and applies to any day and time.  It reminds us, and possibly even encourages us, to look out for others and to help those in need.  The concept behind the jars aside, there are times when people just need a small helping hand to get them over a hurdle or hardship and extending the hand of friendship can make a huge difference.

This is a movie that should be added to your queue for favorite movies during the holidays and especially for younger people so they learn the value of kindness and that sometimes it is ok to do something without the recognition.

We give this 5 paws up and I can’t wait to watch it again…with tissues in hand.

 

 

Trailer

 

 

 

Synopsis

Winter 1839. LIBERTY, MISSOURI. Local jailer, Samuel Tillery (Jasen Wade) is tasked with watching Missouri’s most wanted men as they await their upcoming hearing. Caught between the local Missourians’ increased drive to remove the prisoners, and the prisoners’ desperate efforts to survive, Tillery is pushed beyond what any lawman can endure. Based on actual recorded accounts, Out of Liberty is an intense, evocative western, with an outcome you have to see to believe.

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Message from the Director

There are all kinds of reasons why I wanted to make this film:  It’s a great story from Church history that is hardly known, with terrific conflict and resolve but at the heart of it all, I mainly wanted to make The Fighting Preacher because Willard and Rebecca Bean are wonderful, stalwart examples that throughout their story are funny and entertaining.  Just what a movie should be!

                                                                                        T.C. Christensen – Writer/Director

Trailer

 

T.C. Christensen Announces Release Date of New Film – THE FIGHTING PREACHER

-Film opens in theatres on Wednesday, July 24, 2019-

 

SALT LAKE CITY – T.C. Christensen, the filmmaker behind such popular movies as 17 Miracles, Ephraim’s Rescue, The Cokeville Miracle and Love, Kennedy, recently announced a release date for his newest feature film, The Fighting Preacher.

Produced by Remember Films and distributed by Purdie Distribution, The Fighting Preacher will open in theaters on Wednesday, July 24. Audiences will get their first glimpse of the film when the trailer debuts online, on TV and in theatres on April 2.

Dave McConnell and Cassidy Hubert star as Willard and Rebecca Bean in the movie, based on the couple’s 25-year missionary service in Palmyra, New York. Joseph F. Smith, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called the Beans in 1915 to occupy and operate the recently re-acquired Smith Farm near Palmyra, New York, site of many pivotal events in the Church’s history.

“Not only is the Bean’s missionary service an extraordinary story,” Christensen says, “Willard’s life before the call is fascinating. He was a boxer, fighting his way to middleweight champion of the world in 1905.” Willard’s prowess in the ring plays a role in the movie, when the boxer challenged all comers to take him on in an effort to break the ice with hostile Palmyra residents.

“When we think of pioneers, we automatically imagine church members traveling westward across the plains,” Christensen says. “Although the Beans went the opposite direction, traveling back east to the roots of the church, their pioneering spirit is no less captivating. They faced hostility and hatred, which still lingered in Palmyra, long after Joseph Smith and his followers were driven from the area.” The film dramatizes many miraculous and inspiring events as the Bean family attempts to win over their unwelcoming neighbors and find a place in the community.

Remember Films, headquartered in Farmington, Utah, produces films for family audiences under the direction of writer, director and cinematographer T.C. Christensen.

Purdie Distribution is an independently-owned film distribution company known for releasing independent films nationwide.  Established in 2011, Purdie Distribution led the distribution of SAINTS AND SOLDIERS: AIRBORNE CREED and THE VOID, THE SARATOV APPROACH, FREETOWN, MEET THE MORMONS, ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE, THE STRAY and is generally focused on films that elevate the human experience. Founder Brandon Purdie played a key role in the establishment of the

family and faith-based film market with his previous work on the release of SAINTS AND SOLDIERS, THE WORK AND THE GLORY trilogy, and FOREVER STRONG.

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STRANGE BLOOD: 70 ESSAYS ON OFFBEAT AND UNDERRATED VAMPIRE MOVIES

EDITED BY VANESSA MORGAN

Publisher: Moonlight Creek Publishing

Genre: horror, vampires, movies, non-fiction
Cover design: Gilles Vranckx

Release date: April 2019

Synopsis

This is an overview of the most offbeat and underrated vampire movies spanning nine decades and 23 countries.

Strange Blood encompasses well-known hits as well as obscurities that differ from your standard fang fare by turning genre conventions on their head. Here, vampires come in the form of cars, pets, aliens, mechanical objects, gorillas, or floating heads. And when they do look like a demonic monster or an aristocratic Count or Countess, they break the mold in terms of imagery, style, or setting.

Leading horror writers, filmmakers, actors, distributors, academics, and programmers present their favorite vampire films through in-depth essays, providing background information, analysis, and trivia regarding the various films. Some of these stories are hilarious, some are terrifying, some are touching, and some are just plain weird. Not all of these movies line up with the critical consensus, yet they have one thing in common: they are unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the world of vampires.

Just when you thought that the children of the night had become a tired trope, it turns out they have quite a diverse inventory after all.

 

About the Author

Vanessa Morgan is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books in the horror genre. Three of her stories (The Strangers Outside, Next to Her and A Good Man), have become movies. When she’s not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats.

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Synopsis

JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take?

Trailer

Review

This is a profound movie that might inspire deeper conversations.  It provides us a look into the past when there was a division between people on whether black people should be free or not; a look to the future based on religious beliefs, and the hope for a better world despite tragedy.

Jane is an inspiring woman for her time and her faith is unshakeable.  She leads her family to find a prophet in the LDS faith by walking from New York to Illinois because a boat captain would not let them travel aboard despite the fact that they are free and not slaves.  That is a true testament to faith to walk 700+ miles just to be close to someone in your faith.  Her strength shines through in various situations and she should be admired for standing up for her faith and acceptance.

This movie may be based on the LDS faith the deeper symbolism could be applied to any faith.  There are people in all walks of life that are strong and rise above those around them when defending their beliefs.  I found myself drawn to the characters and wondering how I would act or react if I were in Jane or even Emma’s shoes.  Both of these women were strong in many areas but weak in others including how they handled racism and polygamy.

I was surprised to learn that Jane was never allowed to enter the temple despite being baptized because of the color of her skin.  She continued to fight for acceptance in her faith until her last day on earth.

I think anyone can appreciate this movie and you do not have to be a member of the LDS faith to grasp the significance of the story.

We give this 5 paws up.

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