Review and Giveaway: The Mighty Macs

I recently had the opportunity to review The Mighty Macs, a family movie based on a true story of the first opportunity at a national championship title in women's basketball and a tiny all-women's Catholic college with very slim chance of have having a shot at the title.

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them. From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

I'm not really a basketball fan nor am I Catholic, but I particularly like stories and movies with themes of perseverance and the success of underdogs. The Mighty Macs did not disappoint. It was engaging with worthy themes...and clean!  With a G rating, this movie can be enjoyed by the whole family. I loved that this film was based on a true story, making it even more inspiring.  At the end of the film, the future successes of the some of the Immaculata players were shared, including Cathy Rush, who was a Basketball Hall of Fame legend.  You needn't be a sports fan to enjoy this movie, but those who are fans of Rudy or Hoosiers will certainly enjoy it.

Giveaway!

I have one copy of The Mighty Macs to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave your contact info in each comment.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite sport to watch.

 

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Leave a comment on another post (including other giveaways) on this blog.
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
• Like the The Mighty Macs Facebook page.
• Follow The Might Macs on Twitter.

The giveaway will end on March 9th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review and Giveaway: A Mile in His Shoes

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 a 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 to allow 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, amore importantly, their spirit. 

A Mile in His Shoes, adapted from a novel by Frank Nappi, is based on a true story.  In addition to clean entertainment, the story also gives the viewer an insight into the challenges of autism.

The viewers are able to connect with the challenges of Mickey, who has Asperger’s syndrome, through a glimpse into his coping mechanisms though flashbacks to the farm and familiar places, “seeing” though his eyes of blurred vision when under duress, and his struggles to pick up on cues in social situations.

Dean Cain stars as Murph, the encouraging coach to Mikey. After watching the whole film trying to place the actor who did an excellent job playing Mickey, I quickly discovered why the familiarity when I saw his name was Luke Schroder, son of Rick Schroder. Another familiar face was the actor who played Pee Wee (Jarod Joseph of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), a player on the team who was quick to accept Mickey.

This made-for-TV movie is suitable viewing for the entire family. (Note:  There is one suggested scene of violence, but not very graphic.) Themes of acceptance, overcoming obstacles (both internal and external), and faith are woven throughout the story. Overall, it is an excellent choice for your next family movie night.

Giveaway!!!

Closed!  Congrats Charla, comment #2

One lucky reader will win a certificate to claim their very own copy of A Mile in His Shoes. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Simply leave a comment….easy peasy!

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
  
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
  
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
  
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
  
• Leave a comment on another post on this blog.
  
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on February 3rd at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.
  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review and Giveaway: Christmas Lodge

 The Christmas decorations and music hit the stores weeks ago. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And last week there was even SNOW.  Are you looking for some decent family movies to get you into the Christmas spirit?

I was recently given the opportunity to review Christmas Lodge, presented by Thomas Kinkade.

Synopsis:
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

You can watch a trailer below, or visit http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1554553881/ to learn a bit more about the movie and see a "behind the scenes" clip.





I thought this was a very sweet movie with themes of family, tradition, determination, and love all revolving around the holiday spirit.  While faith is not a central theme, the family does say grace before dinner, talk to loved ones in heaven, and has other examples of a faith-filled family. It is a DVD suitable for all family members.  The storyline is a little predictable, but of the variety that even though you know what might happen, you want to just keep watching for the warm and fuzzy feeling in the end. It is the perfect movie for a family movie night during the holidays.

Giveaway! (Now Closed. Congrats to Valerie, comment #4)

I have one copy of Christmas Lodge to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite family-friendly Christmas movie.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Leave a comment on another post (including other giveaways) on this blog.
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on November 28th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review: Marshall Publishing (George Washington Carver DVD)

Quick...what do monster trucks and George Washington Carver have in common?

Give up?

They are both topics covered on DVDs by Marshall Publishing!

You (or your kids) may already be familiar with some of Marshall Publishing's AS SEEN ON TV product lines covering topics such as jets, trains, fire trucks, and yes, monster trucks.   What you may not realize, however, is that Marshall Publishing also has a number of award-winning historical and educational DVDs.  Of these, I received George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work for review.

Recommended for grades 8-12, this 30-minute DVD covers George Washington Carver's life from his beginnings in slavery through his final years at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.  The story of Carver, with his perseverance and insatiable appetite for knowledge, is sure to be inspirational to all who view this DVD.

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work begins with quotes of Carver while various still pictures and short clips are shown.  This style continues through-out the DVD, with the narrator taking the viewer through the various periods and accomplishments of Carver's extraordinary life. 

My 7th grade son and 9th grade daughter both watched the DVD. My son briefly studied George Washington Carver about 6 months ago, and thought the DVD was a great review with some new information, too. My daughter, who is currently studying U.S. history, said it was informative and interesting, but the found the accompanying visual presentation just ok. While definitely not boring, it isn't a presentation with a lot of flash.  Even if this isn't your student's style, the narration is quite good and enough to maintain interest alone. I personally found the photography, clips, and musical score to be a nice compliment to, while not detracting from, the narration. A study guide with discussion questions is also available at the website under the product description. This documentary style and approach, however, probably won't appeal to younger kids.  While the DVD is recommended for grades 8-12, I'd say that kids as young as 4th or 5th grade would probably enjoy learning about George Washington Carver in this format.

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work is the type of educational resource that I would hope to see on the shelves of my local library. It would be a nice addition to a homeschool co-op library or a personal library as well. Be sure to visit the Marshall Publishing website for more educational titles.

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work is regularly priced at $24.94, but is currently available for a web sale price for $19.95.  If you use coupon code TOSC1, you will also receive an additional 15% off this title. And while you are at it, add a DVD to learn about monster trucks to your shopping cart, too!

 Read more reviews of this product by visiting the official TOS Crew blog!

Disclaimer: This review was provided as a result of my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I was provided the product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I have received no other compensation. I strive to give a balanced overview of each product, detailing my opinion of both pros and cons and how the product worked for my family. What works for one family may not work for another. I encourage you to read reviews of other Crew members and research sufficiently to determine if any product will be a benefit to your homeschool.

Review and Giveaway: The Shunning (DVD)

I saw the trailer for The Shunning a while back as part of the previews for another family movie. It looked rather interesting and I made a mental note to keep an eye out for the movie.  When I recently receive an opportunity to review it, I was thrilled.

The Shunning is based on the novel of the same name, which has sold more than 1 million copies and is authored by Beverly Lewis, a New York Times Bestselling author.

Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead.  Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted. 

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker &; Sherry Stringfield.

You can read more about this Hallmark Channel Original Movie at the official website for the movie.  On this site you can also watch the original trailer that drew my attention as well as read about the cast, some of whom you may recognize (e.g. Sherry Springfield of ER).

I really enjoyed the movie and it would make a great selection for the family to watch together.  I watched it one evening on my laptop with headphones, because my husband was listening to something on his iPod and I didn't want to disturb him.  At the point when the main character, Katie, was shunned by her Amish community, my husband, who hadn't watched any of the movie until that point, became interested and started grilling me with questions to catch up to the previous half of the movie.  Then, he continued to watch it with no sound until the ending.  So, I guess you can say that it is interesting enough to hold the interest of someone coming in half-way, even with no sound! Since it was a late night viewing, I didn't have my kids watch with me, but I think my daughter in particular would really enjoy it. I haven't read the book, though it did want to make me seek the title out and give it read.

I will say that I did not like the ending, which is open-ended.  It left me with too many questions about what exactly happened to the main character. I was still thinking about it the next day, which I suppose is the main point of having such an ending; the author wants you to ponder on it.

GIVEAWAY!
Closed: Congrats to comment #3, Dianna D.

I have one copy of The Shunning to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite family-friendly movie.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Like The Shunning Movie on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook (this is a brand new page and needs a little love!)
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on October 7th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review and Giveway: The Grace Card (DVD)

I've been happy to see an increase in the production of family movies with a strong message over the last few years.  There is entirely too much garbage out there for viewing and not enough quality films for the whole family.  I had the recent opportunity to review THE GRACE CARD, which was released on DVD on August 16th.  THE GRACE CARD is the first movie from Memphis-based Graceworks Pictures in conjunction with Calvary Pictures.

Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man. 

Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.

 The story line of this movie had a wonderful themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace that were portrayed in ways that are very relevant to our culture today.  It is rated PG-13 and does have some mature themes (drug use, violence, racism, death, bitterness), but still very appropriate for family viewing.  The topics also leave plenty of room for discussion afterward.  If you go to THE GRACE CARD website, you will also find ministry resources to use with a church study or Sunday school class.  It is unfortunate that movies like THE GRACE CARD often lack in budget, which is all the more reason to continue to support them.  They certainly make up for it with solid Christian themes for family movie viewing.

NOW CLOSED

Congrats to #75, c allen!!! 
Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

I have a copy of THE GRACE CARD to give to one lucky reader!  See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Just leave me a comment!  Simple!

For additional entries:

• Like The Grace Card on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook (this is a brand new page and needs a little love!)
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on Sept 2nd at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review and Giveaway: Most - The Deluxe Edition

MOST.  It is the Czech for "the bridge" and also the title of a touching short film centering around a sacrifice that saved hundreds of passengers heading toward an open drawbridge. 

Thirty-three minutes.  That is how long the Oscar-nominated short-film MOST, directed by Bobby Garabedian, takes to share a compelling modern-day parable that "vividly portrays the greatest offering of love, sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness known to man."

I didn't know much about the film, to be released in stores on March 1, other than it was an allegory. After watching the trailer (below), I got a sense for the emotional element of the story.





The movie is subtitled (nearly all of the cast members speak Czech), which I felt actually added to the story, and was filmed in Eastern Europe. 

This Christian allegory is touching and more than just a little heart-wrenching.  It is about choices, sacrifice, love for others - and change.  The decision facing the father was a little hard for me to watch as a parent, but that was the point.  The film is meant to get you thinking and could serve as a beginning of a family discussion about the message.  There is a short Study Guide included on the DVD with discussion questions.  Also included is Making of MOST, a behind-the-scenes look of the trials and successes of the production of MOST.

More about MOST: The Deluxe Edition:

Release Date: Tuesday, March 1
Where: Christian retail stores and online retailers
Cost: $14.99 (or less)
Includes:
• MOST (33-minute film)
• Making of MOST (32-minute feature)
• Bonus Scenes
• Extended Ending
• Introduction and Commentary by Luis Palau
• Study Guide
• Scoring Session (1 minute featurette of Symphony recording session)
Director, Producer, and Co-Writer: Bobby Garabedian
Producer, Co-Writer: William Zabka
Executive Producers: Cathleen Cassagne, Alexandra Bekiaris, Adam DeGraide
Stars: Vladimir Javorsky, Linda Rybova, Ladislav Ondrej

NOW CLOSED!  Congrats to Natalie, comment #7.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I have an extra copy and you have an opportunity to win your own MOST DVD.

There are several ways to enter.  Please leave a comment for each.  Please include your email in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner.

• Simply leave a comment that you'd like to win this item.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
• "Like" MOST on Facebook

The giveaway will end on February 28th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.