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SEASON TWO - Former Movies of the Week
Movie of the Week for January 22, 2023My Brother’s Keeper |
Written by US Army Veteran Ty Manns
Directed by Kevan Otto Stars: TC Stallings, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Gregory Alan Williams, Joey Lawrence, Robert Ri’chard, Jeff Rose, Josiah Paul, Blue Kimble, and others. Brief Synopsis: MY BROTHER’S KEEPER shares the story of returning war veteran Sergeant First Class (SFC), Platoon Sergeant Travis Fox who has one more battle to fight - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fox and his best friend Sergeant First Class Ron “Preach” Pearcy are in their 6th combat deployment when Preach and his entire Ranger platoon are killed in a deadly improvised explosive device attack. Travis returns to his hometown to settle the affairs of his parents who had passed away years before. His parents' house is empty now; both were killed in a tragic car accident three years earlier. He browses through pictures of his parents and his eyes fall on the handcrafted necklace he had made in Saudi Arabia, encircling his mother's neck. He searches his parents' belongings from the accident and the home, but fails to find the necklace. The next day Travis starts his search for answers and also discovers a new obstacle in PTSD. He finds support from church counselor, Tiffany Robertson and slowly begins to rediscover his faith in God, until he discovers a secret hidden by his best friend Donnie Berry that threatens his new-found faith, restores his guilt, and causes him to consider the unthinkable. The film MY BROTHER’S KEEPER offers a moving personal depiction of some of the challenges and trauma our service men and women and first responders experience as they fight for our freedoms and our safety. Travis Fox and Preach are fictional characters but represent a composite of real people. There’s Movie Discussion Guide at www.mbkflim.com to foster discussion about the themes and ideas presented in the movie. Themes: Conversion, God’s Love. Redemption, Friendship, Church Family, Hope, Faith, and Community. |
Movie of the Week for January 8, 20235000 BlanketsWritten by Larry Postel, Matthew Antonelli
Directed by Amin Matalqa Stars: Anna Camp, Rob Mayes, Carson Minniear, Rod Hallett, Jason Coviello, Cindy Hogan, and others. Brief Synopsis: "5000 Blankets" is a film that is sure to warm your heart and inspire you to do big things! As a result of his father’s mental illness, Phillip and his mom, Cyndi Bunch, were introduced to a world that broke their hearts. After searching the streets of Fort Worth looking for Phillip, SR. they were overwhelmed by how many homeless people they saw. Inspired by a remarkable true story, Phillip and his mom are determined to change lives due to his spirit of generosity and a faith that sparked a citywide movement. 5000 BLANKETS is a faith-filled Christian movie that discusses mental health, helping the homeless, and relying on your church body to support you. Phillip’s Wish - https://www.phillipswish.com Themes: Outreach, community, mental health, homelessness, spousal love, father-son bond, church family, compassionate service, and determination |
Movie of the Week for January 15, 2023Highway to Heaven (2021)Written by Angelica Chéri, Cathryn Humphris, and Christopher Landon
Directed by Stacey K. Black Stars: Jill Scott, Barry Watson, Ben Daon, Robert Moloney, Maria J. Cruz, and others. Brief Synopsis: A contemporary take on Michael Landon’s iconic 80s television series Highway to Heaven, Lifetime’s new event movie series follows Angela Stewart (Jill Scott), an angel who is sent back to earth to help others in need. In the premiere movie, Angela takes on the role of a temporary school counselor and finds herself working alongside junior high school principal Bruce Banks as she intervenes in the lives of a troubled student Cody, his father Jeff and his aunt Vanessa, who are grieving the tragic loss of Cody’s mother, Melissa. Themes: Family Secrets, Grief, Redemption, Hope, Faith, Achieving Goals, and Community. |
Movie of the Week for December 25, 2022Holiday HeritageWritten by Rhonda Baraka
Directed by Alfons Adetuyi Stars: Holly Robinson Peete, Lyndie Greenwood, Brooks Darnell, Darlene Cooke, and others Featured on Hallmark Channel: It is very evident, from the cast and script to the costuming and music, that the Hallmark Channel made its first Kwanzaa movie a special event. You can watch it on Dec 29th at 10AM EST Brief Synopsis: Ella is a graphic designer in Boston whose family has been having a hard time since the passing of her grandfather a few years prior. Ella’s trip back home to Mary’s Town, Pennsylvania for the holidays gets off to a shocking start when her mom Micah reveals that she’s moving to Chicago to start her own bistro. It turns out that Micah’s relationship with her mother Tess has worsened over the past year now that Micah’s father/Tess’s husband is gone. The two are barely speaking to each other and are very close to becoming estranged — yet they both are currently running the Chapel Family Bakery. The tension in their business could be cut with a bread knife. Ella desperately wants to repair this rift and keep her mom in town, so she hopes to execute a plan, with the help from her ex-boyfriend Griffin and her deceased grandfather. Themes: Family, Forgiveness, Community, Tradition, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hope, and Love. |
Movie of the Week for January 1, 2023No VacancyWritten by Art Aryris
Directed by Kyle Saylors Stars: T.C. Stallings, Dean Cain, Sean Young, Lee Perkins, and others Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness Recommends 14+ for this content.) A jaded reporter demoted to a rural news bureau finds her cynicism slowly transformed when she befriends a recovering addict while working a story about a church struggling to purchase a motel to help homeless families. Based loosely on a true story of Brandi Michaels, a jaded local television reporter who is demoted to a rural news outlet in Central Florida just after the financial crisis of 2007–2008. She first struggles with her new location but is slowly transformed by a recovering addict as she works a news story. No Vacancy is a grittier than usual faith-based drama, not necessarily hardcore but Stallings's Cecil goes through his share of trauma before hitting his rock bottom and starting to climb his way back up. While No Vacancy is unrated, a couple scenes are somewhat intense with one, in particular, reflecting the racially motivated assault Cecil experienced and the undeniable trauma it left inside him. While this scene isn't really that graphic, it's still rather disturbing for a film that falls undeniably within the faith-based genre. Themes: Power of Prayer, Redemption, True Story, Homelessness, Drug Abuse, Racism, Hope, Faith, and Community. |
Movie of the Week for December 11, 2022Kirk Franklin's The Night Before ChristmasWritten by Tara Knight
Directed by Tailiah Breon Stars: Naturi Naughton, Lorea Turner, Luke James, Kirk Franklin, Will Oliver, JonAvery Worrell, Nijah Brenea, Aspen Kennedy Wilson, and others Brief Synopsis: Caught in a blizzard on Christmas Eve, estranged mother and daughter Journee and Nia are forced to take refuge inside a church where a handful of also-trapped parishioners are reeling from the cancellation of their annual holiday concert. The spirit of the season takes hold as Journee and Nia weather the wintry storm together with the other churchgoers, including handsome youth pastor and a heavenly music teacher, who motivate the mother and daughter to reconcile their differences through music, faith, and love. With the help from this unlikely yet spirited group of strangers, Journee and Nia band together to help the church salvage not only their holiday traditions, but also their show-stopping Christmas day performance, despite the raging storm outside. Themes: Family, Self-Love, Forgiveness, Community, Friendship, Christmas, Tradition, Believing, and Love. (You can stream the whole movie this December on Lifetime.com.) |
Movie of the Week for December 18, 2022An Angelic Christmas Written by Karen Abercrombie, Lynn Marcelle Directed by Josh Menning Stars: Karen Abercrombie, Cameron Arnett, Alicia Fusting, Tammy Tsai, Kristina Winterseller, John Smith, Erich Offenburg, London Shover, Candace Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Howlett, Tori Gideon, and others. Brief Synopsis: When Samantha and two young daughters Delainey and Loren move to McCattysville at Christmastime, they are met with sour, unwelcoming faces. Things began to change, however, when an out-of-the-ordinary angel, Celest, enters the Christmas picture in diligent pursuit of her cherished Guardian Angel wings. Themes: Family, Faith, Forgiveness, Community, Friendship, Christmas, Tradition, Believing, and Love. |
Movie of the Week for November 27, 2022BelieveWritten by Billy Dickson
Directed by Billy Dickson Stars: Ryan O’Quinn, Shawnee Smith, Danielle Nicolet, Issac Ryan Brown, Lance E. Nichols, and others Brief Synopsis: For years, the small town of Grundy, Va. has relied on the Peyton family to provide the highlight of the year—the annual Christmas pageant. When Matthew Peyton inherits the family business, the responsibility of the Christmas pageant also falls on his shoulders. But as financial hardships fall on the town, Matthew finds himself overwhelmed. As his business profits plummet and his workers begin to strike, Matthew is forced to make a decision between selling the family business and cancelling the beloved pageant or sticking out hardships despite his rapidly declining popularity in the community. Through chance events, Matthew meets Clarence, a boy who believes in miracles, and his mother Sharon. His newfound friends impact Matthew’s life in a way he never thought possible and teach him to believe and give faith a chance. Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Themes: Hope, Faith, Forgiveness, Betrayal, Deceit, Community, Prayer, Christmas, Homelessness, Believing, and Love. |
Week for December 4, 2022A New Orleans NoelWritten by Alys Murray and Angela Tucker
Directed by Angela Tucker Stars: Keshia Knight Pulliam, Patti LaBelle, Brad James, Tim Reid, Donna DuPlantier, Camile Robinson, Talisa Friedman, and Kaylee Nicole Johnson Brief Synopsis: Grace Hill (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Anthony Brown (Brad James) could not be more different. Despite having gone to college to study architecture together, their lives took them on completely separate paths. When the two are both hired to work together on the home of Loretta Brown (Patti LaBelle)—a New Orleans praline icon—the two find themselves stuck working together at Christmas…and butting heads over more than just architecture. When Anthony and his family discover that Grace will be celebrating Christmas alone, they invite her to take part in their traditions and their celebrations. Soon, fiercely independent Grace begins to learn the importance of family and community, while modern Anthony learns to embrace tradition and the magic of Christmas. And when Grace is offered a new job far away from New Orleans, she’ll have to decide if she’ll leave or follow her heart. Themes: Family, Self-Love, Forgiveness, Community, Friendship, Christmas, Tradition, Believing, and Love. (You can stream the whole movie during December 2022 on Lifetime.com.) |
Movie of the Week for November 13, 2022A Heart That ForgivesWritten by T.K. Henderson and Ken Jenkins
Directed by M. Legend Brown Stars: Mario Mims, Charles Malik Whitfield, Carl Anthony Payne II, Kelly O’Neil Jackson, Irma P. Hall, Zach Rose, Lynne Andrews, Nikki Dixon, Pilar Sanders, Kerry McCormick, and others Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness Recommends 18 + for this content.) Follow two foster brothers that choose very different paths. Malcolm follows his father's footsteps and begins pastoring a small church while Silk follows a dark road while seeking redemption when it's convenient. The brothers and their circle of friends are caught up in a web of life situations and circumstances the force them towards decisions of forgiveness or bitterness that will impact the rest of their lives. The film also contains two sub-plots. One - A father that was abusive lies near death, and his adult daughter harbors a strong grudge against him. Can she find it in her heart to forgive him? The other - features the struggles of a married couple trying to reconnect when both feel a bit neglected. Themes: Faith, Sin, Forgiveness, Guilt, Redemption, Relationships, and Hope Awards: Has won numerous awards including Best Feature Film at 2018 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival |
Movie of the Week for November 20, 2022WoodlawnWritten by Jon Erwin, Todd Gerelds, and Quinton Peeples
Directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin Stars: Caleb Castille, Sean Aston, Jon Voight, Sherri Shepherd, C. Thomas Howell, Joy Brunson, Lance E. Nichols, DeVon Franklin, Kevin Sizemore, Marcus Enderson, and others Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness Recommends 12+ for this content.) Woodlawn opened in theaters on Oct. 16, 205. When Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama is controversially desegregated in 1973, Tony Nathan, a gifted Black high-school football player, joins the school's predominantly white football team along with several other Black players. The coach, Tandy Gerelds, tells the team to use their shared anger to unite them, but Black and white players clash on and off the field. After a riot at the school, Gerelds consents to allowing traveling sports chaplain Hank Erwin to speak to the team as a "motivational speaker". Hank's speech moves nearly the entire team to accept Hank's invitation to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and join together in prayer. Gerelds does not accept the invitation and is unsure what to make of the event. A spiritual revival that started within the team — despite the turbulent times around them — spreads throughout the school and into the community. Woodlawn is based on the true story of Tandy Gerelds and Tony Nathan. Miami Dolphins superstar running back Tony Nathan attended Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama during the early 1970s. Nathan became a model student and the first black football superstar in Alabama history. He and other black students played on the mainly white team under coach Tandy Gerelds at a time when racial tensions were very high. He was credited with helping to unify the team, which went on to play the biggest high school game in Alabama history. After high school Nathan played for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant at the University of Alabama. He later played under coach Don Shula with the Miami Dolphins and was a starter in two Super Bowls. The 2015 film Woodlawn starring Caleb Castille as Nathan and Nic Bishop as Coach Gerelds, with Jon Voight as Bear Bryant is based on his high school years. The movie has the tagline: One Hope. One Truth. One Way (John 14:6) Themes: Faith, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Transformation, Patience, Football, Racism, Judgement, Anger, Prayer, Baptism, Church, and Hope |
Movie of the Week for November 6, 2022God and SalsaWritten by Anayancy Thomas and Jess Thomas
Directed by Perry Lang Stars: Jovanna Vidal, Javier Luna, Sarah Henderson, Brian Fortuna, and others Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness parental recommendation is 14+.) “God & Salsa” is the embodiment of Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is… a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Raquel is a divorced single mother in her 40s, reeling from the loss of her daughter to suicide. Shane is a disgruntled teenager whose parents are in the midst of a nasty divorce. Both are seeking answers, both angry, both hurting; yet, completely different people in different phases of life. In a beautiful, emotional collision, their stories become one. Shane and Raquel are about to change each other’s lives, with a little bit of help from a father who won’t give up, a sage yet flamboyant dance instructor, a wise elder nun, and a sermon. Themes: Redemption, Relationships, Faith, Forgiveness, Divorce, covert suicidal ideations, guilt, and hope |
Movie of the Week for October 30, 2022An Interview with GodWritten by Ken Aguado
Directed by Perry Lang Stars: David Strathairn, Brenton Thwaites, Yael Grobglas, Charlbi Dean Kriek, Hill Harper Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness parental recommendation is 14+.) Paul Asher, an up-and-coming journalist, returns home from covering the war in Afghanistan and finds his life is falling apart - his marriage is failing and he's in the grips of a personal crisis he doesn't yet understand. Even more pressing, a soldier that Paul befriended in Afghanistan is struggling at home and Paul is desperately trying to help him. But, Paul's life takes a strange twist when he's offered an interview that he finds impossible to resist - an interview with someone who claims to be God. The movie present God as a loving deity, listening to our prayers and wanting to provide answers to life’s biggest questions. Many find this image of God helpful, while others will take a more contemplative approach to embracing the mysteries of God. Themes: Redemption, Knowledge, Relationships, Faith, Forgiveness, Marriage, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, covert suicidal ideations, hope, prayer and salvation |
Movie of the Week for October 23, 2022God’s Compass – Find Your True NorthWritten by Stephan Schultze
Directed by Stephan Schultze Stars: Karen Abercrombie, T.C Stallings, Jazelle Foster, Joey Ibanez, Robert Amaya, Thomas Lee Baker, Alecea Vibar, and others. Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness recommends this film for family viewing.) Suzanne Waters (Karen Abercrombie) has just passed the baton as the principal of the local high school. Having spent a lifetime teaching life lessons, the journey into retirement is about to bring her one of her greatest lessons. Her lesson plan will come from a troubled young man, Eli, as she invests in his life. Suzanne also becomes a first-time grandmother, and the new life of the baby brings renewed hope to the family as each member discovers their core value in God's path for their lives. As Suzanne reflects back on her life of faithfulness, we are reminded that there are no accidents in God's Kingdom, no chance meetings, no purposeless steps taken. Awards: 2016 "Best Screenplay" winner - International Christian Film Festival Themes: Character Building, Redemption, Crimes, Compassionate Service, Family, Faith, Blessings, Foster Care system, Inspiration, and Trust. |
Movie of the Week for October 16, 2022The Greatest InheritanceWritten by Andrea Polnaszek, John K.D. Graham, Alexandra Boylan
Directed by John K.D. Graham Stars: Jaleel White, Mena Suvari, Cameron Kelly, Meredith Riley Stewart, Grace Pippas, Mychala Lee, Jeff Schroeder, Leticia Jimenez, Miles Mussenden and others. Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness recommends this film for family viewing.) The story follows four estranged adult siblings, Casey, Carey, George, and Rachel, who reunite for a memorial for their late mother and claim their inheritance. However, getting the inheritance won’t be as easy as they think. Their mother has created some challenges. The challenges lead to clues pointing to the location of their mother’s will, which includes the deed to her estate. They’ll just have to work together to see who gets the greatest inheritance. THE GREATEST INHERITANCE is a well-paced, playful, engaging, heartwarming comedy. The production values are high. The movie is also well cast, with the actors playing well against one another. THE GREATEST INHERITANCE has a strong Christian, biblical, morally uplifting worldview. Characters quote Scripture frequently, and the movie extols prayer, forgiveness, kindness, grace, community service, and taking care of sick parents. Also, using one’s gifts to serve God’s Kingdom drives the plot and motivates the characters. THE GREATEST INHERITANCE is an entertaining movie for the entire family. Themes: Character Building, Mother & Daughter, Heartfelt, Family Oriented Adventure, Importance of Family, Promises, Redemption, Games, and Death. |