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SEASON THREE - Movie of the Week

Heaven Sent

Written by Karen Abercrombie and Tara Lynn Marcelle
Directed by Joanne Hock
Stars: Karen Abercrombie, Jemarcus Kilgore, J. Leon Pridgen II, Charlene Tilton, Michael J. Patterson, Maurie Moore, Elizabeth Byland and Gary Dourdan.
Brief Synopsis: The new romantic comedy shares stories of three couples at different stages of life and is a journey through finding love, hope and joy after loss. Elise, a grandmother hurt by her past, and Patrick, a widowed pastor, have closed the door on love. But with faith and a little help from technology, will their live-streamed romance find a way?
Themes: Marital Difficulties, Power of Prayer, God’s Love. Romance, Church Family, Friendship, Faith, and Community. 

SEASON TWO - Former Movies of the Week

Movie of the Week for January 22, 2023

My 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, 2023

5000 Blankets

Written 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, 2023

​Highway 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, 2022

Holiday Heritage 

Written 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, 2023

No Vacancy

Written 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, 2022

Kirk Franklin's The Night Before Christmas

​Written 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, 2022

An 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, 2022

Believe

Written 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, 2022

A New Orleans Noel

Written 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, 2022

A Heart That Forgives

​Written 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, 2022

Woodlawn

Written 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, 2022

God and Salsa

Written 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, 2022

An Interview with God 

Written 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, 2022

God’s Compass – Find Your True North 

Written 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, 2022

The Greatest Inheritance 

Written 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.

SEASON ONE - Former Movies of the Week

Movie of the Week for August 28, 2022

Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story
Written by Wuese Houston-Jibo and Monique N. Matthews
Directed by Troy Scott
Stars: Monique Coleman, Nathan White, Eric Benét, LisaRaye McCoy and others
 
Brief Synopsis: Interior decorator Zuri Maxwell had it all – a career she adored, loving family and friends, and a good man in her life, artist Stephon Gardner. But greed threatens to destroy everything, when Zuri meets handsome benefactor and entrepreneur Godfrey Anderson and his fabulously wealthy relative Miss Viv. They have everything Zuri thinks she wants. As Godfrey romances her, she compromises the values and morals her to be part of the deceptive affluent world she desperately wants.
 
Themes: Lies, Betrayal, Dangers of Spiritual Ruin, Idolatry, Greed, Coveting, Morals, Values, Stewardship, God’s Grace, and Redemption 

Movie of the Week for August 21, 2022

Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story 

Written by Greg Cally and Sam Washington
Directed by Russ Parr
Stars: Chaz Lamar Shepherd (“Marvel’s Luke Cage”, “The Game”), Amber Anderson (“Power Book II” “Manifest Evil”), Charmin Lee, Khamary Rose, Kevin Saunders, Hayden Griffin, Dawn Raven, Stormy Merriweather, Glenn Magee, and others.
 
Brief Synopsis: The authorized biopic chronicles the prominent gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, love for MaLinda Prince, rise in the music industry and growth in his faith. 
 
Sapp came into prominence as a member of Commissioned back in the ’90s. Currently, he is an author, radio show host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan – the church he founded with his late wife. It preimere tonight at 9PM on TV One.
 
Themes: Talent, Power of Prayer, Martial Struggles, Demonstrations of Faith, Gifts, Betrayal, God’s Grace, Spousal Love, Hard Work, and Excellence.

Movie of the Week of August 14, 2022

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel 

Written by Sylvia L. Jones and Camille Tucker
Directed by Christine Swanson
Stars: Aunjanue Ellis, Christina Bell, Kierra Sheard Kelly, Sheléa Frazier, Raven Goodwin, and Angela Birchett, Michael Xavier, and others.
 
Brief Synopsis: executive producers and Grammy Award winners Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott, premiered on Lifetime. The authorized musical of incomparable gospel singers, The Clark Sisters, recounts the story of the highest selling female gospel group in history and their trailblazing choir director mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Credited with bringing Gospel music to the mainstream, the five Clark sisters Twinkie, Karen, Dorinda, Denise, and Jacky overcame humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan enduring so much to achieve international fame as icons of the Gospel music industry.
 
In the film, one of the Clark sisters says it would be easier if they all sang the same note, but their mother Mattie stops her and said, "Did you just curse in my house? We don't do easy in this house. We do excellent." (“Easy’ was a curse word she didn’t tolerate.) Her husband accuses her of wanting to be Joe Jackson and make her children into another Jackson Five. That is not it, she explains. Her girls will be better because they will be singing for the glory of God.
 
Awards: Best Television Movie (2020 AAFCA TV Honors), Outstanding Music (2020 Black Reel Awards for Television), Best Made for Television Movie (2021 Gracie Allen Awards), and Best Motion Picture Made for Television (2021 Satellite Awards)
 
Themes: Talent, Power of Prayer, Family Struggles, Demonstrations of Faith, Gifts, Sisterhood, Betrayal, Sibling Rivalries, God’s Grace, Mother’s Love, Hard Work, and Excellence.

Movie of the Week for August 7, 2022 

Brother White

Written by Tommy Blaze, Sean Paul Murphy, Matt Richards
Directed by Brian Herzlinger
Stars: David A.R. White, Jackée, Bruce Davidson, Ray Wise, Reginald VelJohnson, Andrea Logan White, Anna Margaret, and others.
 
Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness recommends this film for family viewing.) James White is just one in many associate pastors at a California mega church under the tutelage of televangelist Johnny Kingman. Until the day the opportunity to become of a church in Atlanta and jumps at the chance to pastor his own church. At first his family, and the congregation, aren't entirely pleased with the appointment of James but face a threat of a corrupt banker to close down the church.
 
Themes: Power of Prayer, Family Struggles, Community, Honesty, Hope, and Demonstrations of Faith.

Movie of the Week for July 31, 2022

Never Quit

Written by Charles H. Irving and Felicia Irving
Directed by Jason Aleman
Stars: Nicole Crump, Kristin McKenzie Rice, Bill Ross, Barbara Ackles, Ian Haywood, Brady Martin, Sheryl Denise, and others
 
Brief Synopsis: Never Quit is a victorious story of a female athlete whose rise to stardom and popularity suddenly misses the shot. Discover how we don't always understand God's plan but realize everything happens for a reason.
 
Themes: Discovering purpose, perseverance, trials, faith, illness, community, and teamwork

Movie of the Week for July 17, 2022

Birdie

​Written by Wendi Foy Green, Austin James, and Cameron Johann
Directed by Gregory Alan Williams
Stars: Laronn Marzett, Gregory Alan Williams, Victoria Rowell, Kyrie Mcalpin, Terry Serpico,  Gatlin Kate James, and others
 
Brief Synopsis: (With the Quickness parental recommendation is 14+.) Birdie is the story of released convict Luke Bellamy. Luke wants nothing more than to reconnect with his 8-year-old daughter, but her grandparents struggle to forgive him. 
 
Luke was in prison for seven years after crashing a car while driving with alcohol and drugs in his system and killing the passenger, his wife. Luke’s daughter doesn’t know the real story, but her grandfather can’t find it within himself to forgive Luke for the death of his daughter. Luke must come face-to-face with his past as he struggles to make a life for himself and earn the trust of his daughter and her grandfather.
 
BIRDIE is an endearing, well-produced movie that champions faith and Christianity while not shying away from reality. It addresses some heavy themes like violence and recovering from substance abuse. 
 
Themes: Power of Prayer, Family Struggles, Faith, and Forgiveness

Movie of the Week of July 24, 2022

My Dad's a Soccer Mom

Written by Rhonda Baraka
Directed by Randall Stevens
Stars: Lester Speight, Skai Jackson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tracey Gold, Jeff Rose,Terrell Owens, Tara Jones, Novi Brown, Ashley LeConte Campbell, and others
 
Brief Synopsis: (Film modified for family viewing) Cut from his NFL football team, a man starts bonding with his young daughter and encourages her to play soccer. My Dad Is a Soccer Mom is a family movie originally made for television (UPtv). Professional footballer Marion "Mad Dog" Casey (Lester Speight) is astonished when his contract is not renewed by the Atlanta Shocks (a fictional NFL team). A classic grandstanding, arrogant hothead, Mad Dog is further stunned when no other team wants him. Wife Holly (Wendy Raquel Robinson) tries to see the bright side: Maybe it's a good time for him to take a break and spend some quality time with their shy, socially awkward daughter Lacy (Skai Jackson). Lacy desperately needs Marion's attention and his time. Not only that, Holly wants to reestablish her long-ignored interior design business, so this break will give her a chance to try. At first Marion is reluctant, then annoyed, then inept, but as he comes to know his daughter better and find out who she truly is, the soft, loving side of Marion emerges. With soccer as the primary source of bonding, Dad, daughter, and Mom discover a deep happiness.
 
Themes: Discovering purpose, Father-daughter bonding, work life balance, Resilient children, soccer, family dynamics, humility, community, and teamwork

Movie of the Week for July 3, 2022

The Job  (Modified for Family Viewing)

Written by Steven Lee and Randy J. Goodwin
Directed by Randy J. Goodwin
Stars: Randy J. Goodwin, Kendra C. Johnson, Ben C. Adams, Sean Summers, and Larry Bagby
 
Brief Synopsis: (PureFlix had the film modified for family viewing.) After killing a man in the ring and losing everything, faith leads the 'Fallen from grace' champion, Lance 'The Dance' Foster, down a path of redemption, forgiveness, and what may be, the toughest fight of his life...saving the kid who's robbing him.
 
Themes: Faith, Bible, Power of Prayer, Hope, and Demonstrations of Faith. 

Movie of the Week for July 10, 2022

Somebody's Child

​Written by Siddeeqah Powell
Directed by Gary Wheeler
Stars: Lynn Whitfield, Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Clifton Powell, Nadine Ellis, Lunden De’Leon, Gregory Alan Williams
 
Brief Synopsis: (PureFlix had the film modified for family viewing.) Somebody's Child is the story of ex-convict, Benjamin Sparks who gets a second chance to better his life after a twist of fate that causes Constance Rivers and her son Douglas to open their hearts to help him out. It’s a story about a son losing hope, a mother gaining faith, and God's divine and perfect plan.
 
Themes: Power of Prayer, Family Struggles, Brotherhood, Hope, and Demonstrations of Faith. 

Movie of the Week for June 19, 2022

War Room
Written by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick
Directed by Alex Kendrick
Stars: Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stallings, Beth Moore, Karen Abercrombie, Michael Jr., Alena Pitts, Jadin Harris, Alex Kendrick, Dave Blamy, and Tenae Downing
 
Brief Synopsis: Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all—great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light. Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.
 
Themes: Power of Prayer, Marriage, Father’s Duty, Redemption, Faith, Drama, Perseverance, and Faith 

Movie of the Week for June 26, 2022

Selfie Dad (Modified for Family Viewing)

Written by Brad Silverman
Directed by Brad Silverman
Stars: Michael Jr., Chonda Pierce, James Denton, Karen Abercrombie, Jamie Grace, Shelby Simmons, Emily Tosta, Jalon Christian, Johnny Pacar, and Dahlia Waingort Guigui
 
Brief Synopsis: (PureFlix had the film modified for family viewing.) Ben Marcus, a husband and father who finds himself caught in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Ben has a lot to be thankful for, but despite everything he has achieved, he simply isn’t happy. He decides that the best way to fill the hole in his life is to fulfill his long set aside dream of becoming a comedian. And what better way to jump start his comedic career than with a YouTube channel?
 
Much to his surprise (and his daughter’s embarrassment), a video of Ben goes viral! Just like that, his new career as “Selfie Dad” takes off, and before Ben knows it, he’s a social media phenomenon! So why is he still unhappy? In this film we also meet Mickey, a brash IT guy who’s studying to be a pastor. He knows exactly what’s really missing from Ben’s life. Will Ben be open to hearing the Word, and will he allow his heart and life to be truly changed?
 
Themes: Pressure of Fatherhood, Faith, social media, Bible, Power of Prayer, Family Unity, Perseverance, and Demonstrations of Faith. 

Movie of the Week for June 5, 2022

Freshman Year

Written by Jude Okwudiafor Johnson, Toby Osborne
Directed by Jude Okwudiafor Johnson
Stars Diallo Thompson, Natalia Dominguez, Benjamin A. Onyango, Desalene Jones, Rachel Johnson, Elijah Johnson, Wynton Odd, Ed Gonzalez Moreno, Gregory Alan Williams, Natasha Dee Davis, and many others

Brief synopsis:  (With The Quickness Parental Warning: Recommended age – 14+ years old) Freshman Year is a story of CJ, who is a preacher’s son and a basketball player. His path intertwines with Marcella, a hard-working first-generation college student, Biology major, and a cheerleader.  CJ and Marcella both leave their sheltered homes and different backgrounds, to face the real world of battling peer pressure, and falling in love.  At school, CJ is overwhelmed by his new-found freedom and independence. He struggles with balancing his faith with the desire to fit in and falling in love. This film shows the fun, freedom, and friendships of college life. The movie reveals real-life scenarios facing students, and the challenges they encounter when standing up for their faith..

Themes: College Life, Peer Pressure, Relationships, Family, Sin, Second Chances, Medical Situations, Father-and-Son, Coming-of-Age, Romance

Movie of the Week for June 12, 2022

HAV Faith
Written and Directed by Howard Bell IV
Stars: Akintunde Warnock, Hayden Gael Barnes, Howard Bell, Percy Bell, Terron Brooks, Santiago Cirilo, Morgan Collier, Micah Lynn Hanson, Anthony
 
Brief Synopsis: (HAV Faith is a modern-day story of Joseph. What You Meant for Bad, God Turned Around For Good) Hamilton A. Vaughn a former promoter, better known as HAV, experiences a life changing incident that catapults him to the forefront of prominent Mission Church. There he meets an old friend Faith; as well as AJ, son of the retiring Bishop, who is less than pleased with the appointment of Hamilton and is determined to oust the new overseer no matter what the costs. 
 
This film reminds us that we should always HAV Faith in the Most High God.
 
Themes: Redemption, Faith, Drama, Perseverance 

Movie of the Week for May 22, 2022

Steps of Faith

Written by Micheal D. Brown (story) TK Henderson
Directed by M. Legend Brown
Stars: Chrystee Pharris, Charles Malik Whitfield, Irma P. Hall, Ted Lange

Brief synopsis: What would you do if you told the world you heard God's voice and no one believed you? Steps of Faith, is a light-heart dramedy about Faith Houston an accountant, who is directed by God to move to a small town to work on a Hippotherapy farm helping children. Faith is mocked by her family since she doesn't have a rapport with children or animals and is not a devout Christian.
 
Faith decides to follow the prompting of her heart and move after she encounters several challenges. After much pleading, she gets a job on the farm shoveling manure out of the horse stalls. After getting more responsibility and the ability to work with children, Faith cracks under pressure and questions whether she heard God's voice or not. 

Themes: Trust in God, Steps of Faith, Christian Life, Inspiration, Challenges  

Movie of the Week for May 30, 2022

Hope Lives

Written by Anthony Hackett
Directed by Anthony Hackett
Stars Karen Abercrombie, Anthony Hackett, Sharonne Lanier, Kyle Arrington, Nicole Paris, Chanel Collins, Aaron C. Wells, India Palmer, Ham Mukasa, Carson Blyskal, Ericka Lee, Willy Ramos, and others.

Brief synopsis:  (With The Quickness Parental Warning: Recommended age – 14+ years old) Six high school student's who are all victims of bullying join an after-school program for bullying victims, lead by a man who recently experienced a tragedy due to an act of bullying. The stories of everyone involved with this after-school program, including the counselor, begin to unfold and intertwine into a brilliant mix of drama, triumph, comedy and inspiration.

Themes: Challenges, Bullying, Family, Faith, Hope, Friendship, Determination

Movie of the Week for May 8, 2022

Never Heard (Modified for Family Viewing)

Written by Tamera Hill
Adapted by Michael Girgenti
Screenplay revision by Edna Janeen White
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Stars: David Banner, Robin Givens, Romeo Miller, Karrueche Tran, Brian White, Kandi Burruss, Master P., Dorien Wilson, Karen Abercrombie, and many more
Brief synopsis: Aaron is incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit and his son's life is at risk due to his friend's drug operation. To help himself and his family, Aaron must turn to his faith.
Themes: Power of Prayer, Salvation, Relationships, Redemption

Movie of the Week for May 15, 2022

A Cross to Bear

Written by Cas Sigers-Beedles
Directed by Tandria Potts
Stars: Kim Fields, Malinda Williams, Danielle Deadwyler, Jackie Long and many more
 
Brief synopsis: (With The Quickness Parental Warning: Recommended age – 14+ years old) 
A Cross to Bear tells the unflinching and inspiring story of Erica, a would-be dancer with no family connections who finds herself fighting alcoholism and being homeless with her newborn child. One ill-fated night, a tragic event shatters Erica's life. Traumatized and at rock bottom, she finds refuge at the home of Joan - a former nurse who has dedicated her life to helping women that need help.) 
Erica struggles to forge a new path for herself, but with the help of Joan's unique brand of tough love, and the guidance of other women at Joan's House, she learns the redemptive power of forgiveness.
 
Themes: This emotionally powerful story of tragedy, forgiveness, redemption, and faith gives new meaning to the word family.