CLICK HERE for a list of our previous Outstanding Movie Winners
Just 4 Kids Magazine reviews new movies, and dvds available to rent. CLICK HERE for our book reviews for children and teens. / CLICK HERE for music reviews
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
2013 New Release Movies
"Unconditional" The Movie is a wonderful movie that is based on a true story of Joe Bradford and his childhood friend Sam Crawford. Jonathan, Jamie and myself were touched and inspired by this inspirational movie about God's unending love for each of us. Sam recently lost her husband after being killed during a street robbery. She was ready to take her own life when a little girl was hit by a car in front of her eyes. She helped the girl get to the hospital and discovered her childhood friend Joe while at the hospital. Sam soon got caught up in the amazing work that Joe did in the community projects for the kids. The movie catches your heart from scene to scene as Joe shares his life and childhood stories with the kids that he has coming to his classes. Sam finds God's purpose in her own life as she makes a difference in the lives of the children who are being raised without a father or mother. This is one of the best movies that I have seen in a long time and a must to see for anyone who has a heart to reach out to a hurting world.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
2012 New Release Movies
The Heart of Christmas is a touching and inspirational family film that is based on a true story. This wonderful movie will touch your heart as you hear the journal of Julie Locke about her son's battle with cancer, and how the community came together to celebrate an early Christmas just for Dax. In 2010 singer/songwriter Matthew West asked his fams to send him their inspiring true stories so that he could turn those stories into songs. Among the thousands of submissions he received three separate letters about the Locke family. He wrote "One Last Christmas" which inspired the filmmakers to share the movie. For more information go to DaxLocke.com and http://www.daxlocke.org/!/heart-of-christmas We give this movie 5 stars.
The Gandy Review of "Journey to Jamaa" - A wonderful World Vision film by director Michael Landon Jr.
This touching drama is an award-winning short film inspired by the real life story of Margaret and Derick, two orphaned children from Uganda who travel over 100 miles on foot across the dusty roads
from Kampala to Kasangombe to find their aunt after their mother's death. The video is now available on DVD. After watching the movie be sure and watch "behind the scenes on location" with Michael Landon Jr. The film was shot in the city where the story took place, and you will even get to meet the real Derick. CLICK HERE to learn more about how your church or organization can get involved.
Mauri Gandy of Just 4 Kids Magazine interviews Roma Downey of "Little Angels" DVD series.
Just in time for Christmas Roma Downey, actress from the popular "Touched By An Angel" television series has come out with a wonderful DVD series just for preschool children.
Join Alex and Zoe, 4 year old twins in their amazing adventures as they travel back to visit Bible characters, learn moral values, the ABC's and 123's. Roma and I both wish we had these DVDs when our children were younger. I will be adding these DVDs to my grandchildren's collection.
2011 Movies
1-17-2012 We Bought A Zoo in time for Christmas, and based on a true family story. The trailer is below and we will be posting our review when the DVD comes out. We were invited to the Movie Premier in Houston and Dallas, but there was none in Austin.
I just watched "COURAGEOUS" with my family on DVD that was released yesterday. AWESOME Movie! ARISE MEN OF GOD AND BE COURAGEOUS FATHERS!!!! Sherwood Pictures does it again!! Their first movie was "Fly Wheel" then came "Facing Giants" then the wonderful movie for marriages "FIRE PROOF" and now this inspiring movie on being a Godly father. A Must Watch movie for every family.
Dophin Tale ~ Watch Rainbow Castle TV program #45 for more on this movie
This heartwarming tale is an absolute must watch for family night. It is based on a true Dolphin Tale about "Winter" who still encourages children and families from her home at Clearwater Florida Marine Aquarium. I think it is best quoted by Morgan Freeman in the introduction of the movie trailer: "In this changing world it is harder than ever to find something extraordinary. But ever once in awhile a symbol of hope breaks through and this time her name is Winter.". The boy who cuts her free from the crab trap reaches out to Winter in love and care that captures this dolphin's heart and sends the boy a special sound from her thankful heart. The boy's world is changed forever as he discovers that Winter needs him as much as he needs her. I love this story, I love this movie! I love the stories that you can read on Clearwater Marine Aquarium's website of testimonies from children with disabilities that have been deeply touched because of Winter's prosthetic tale. It is an amazing Dophin's Tale that you will remember for a very long time.
- Another great Christian movie about forgiveness. The movie starts out slow and at first I was not impressed with the acting mainly at the police station. But the story of two police officers teamed together and the tangled mess of Mac McDonald's life of bitterness, anger and grief start to unfold. I really got into the movie when I heard Sgt. Pastor Sam Wright heartfelt speech convincing a young man not to shoot his police partner (Mac). The last half of the movie and the ending does a wonderful job capturing and revealing God's Grace when we learn to let forgiveness in our life. This movie is a must watch for families with teenagers.
Soul Surfer - One of the Best movie's ever and our 2011 Just 4 Kids Movie Award Winner! I can not say enough about the story of Bethany Hamilton after she lost her arm from a shark attack. Her attitude on living life fully for Jesus Christ is one that every child and adult should watch. The movie is wonderfully made and had me crying with tears of rejoicing the beauty of her triumphant story. God is so good. He turns what the devil intends for bad to become an awesome story about His love. This true story is our pick of the decade. Acting was great especially by Helen Hunt who plays Bethany's mom and Dennis Quaid who plays her dad, and Carrie Underwood does an amazing job as Bethany's youth leader and Christian friend.
Just 4 Kids Magazine was recently sent two documentaries to review this year.
Winner of four BEST DOCUMENTARY awards,
The Elephant in the Living Room is the emotional story with exclusive interviews of the highly controversial topic of dangerous animals being kept as common household pets.
The documentary shows the emotions of Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose friend was killed by his exotic pet, and Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.
We give this film a big two thumbs up, but there are some scenes that may be to disturbing for children under 13. For more information or to see the trailer go to The Elephant in the Living Room.com
The Grandfathers is a true story about the power of forgiveness and redemption transcending cultures and generations. This film is a complete story in itself and yet a welcome companion to Beyond the Gates of Splendor and End of the Spear. Many years ago Just 4 Kids Magazine did a review on "End of the Spear". This was an unforgettable true story that has a lasting impact on how far some missionaries go to show God's Love. The Grandfathers is a continuation of this story and how the story continues today with the grandchildren of these missionaries. There was a time during the story that the Holy Spirit hit me with His presence and I was touched to deep tears!
Have you seen a good CHRISTIAN movie recently or read a great book for kids on Christian beliefs? Please share it with us so we can pass it on to other Christians. Email mauri@just4kidsmagazine.com ~~ RETURN HOMEPartners
CLICK HERE
"Unconditional" The Movie
Chasing Mavericks ~ Click Here for Jamie's Review
Dophin Tale
Soul Surfer
The Grandfathers is a true story about the power of forgiveness and redemption transcending cultures and generations. This film is a complete story in itself and yet a welcome companion to Beyond the Gates of Splendor and End of the Spear. Many years ago Just 4 Kids Magazine did a review on "End of the Spear". This was an unforgettable true story that has a lasting impact on how far some missionaries go to show God's Love. The Grandfathers is a continuation of this story and how the story continues today with the grandchildren of these missionaries. There was a time during the story that the Holy Spirit hit me with His presence and I was touched to deep tears!
