Laugh and Grow Bible For Kids Easter Special: Movie Review & Giveaway

This Easter, Share the Story That Matters Most

It was Paul who wrote,

“For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–8, CSB)

Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. Because of His death, burial, and resurrection, it’s vital that we pause and reflect on all He has done for us. We need to take the time to recognize that, through the resurrection, Jesus conquered death for all who place their faith in Him. That’s why we celebrate—because Jesus has won the victory over death and offers us new life in Him.

  But let’s be honest: between the egg hunts, candy overload, and all the cute bunny distractions, it’s not always easy to keep our kids (and grandkids!) focused on what really matters. That’s why I’m so thankful for resources like Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Easter Special—because this Easter, I don’t want my grandkids to just hear the story of Jesus... I want them to know it, to grasp it, and to carry it with them.

I love finding great resources that help you and your family discover more about God and His Word! So, as I continue to share these with you, I also hope to offer so much more—truths and encouragement that are meant to be captured and held close to our hearts, helping us grow in our daily walk with Christ.

I had fun watching my grandkids as they watched this Easter special—and they even helped me write the review you’ll find later in this post! There’s something so special about sharing the gospel story with the next generation, and Minno makes that experience joyful, simple, and deeply meaningful.

About the Movie...

The Laugh and Grow Bible Easter Special is a sweet, engaging retelling of the Easter story, created specifically for kids. It gently walks through Jesus’s death and resurrection in a way that’s easy for young hearts and minds to understand—while holding tightly to the truth and beauty of the gospel. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to explain why Jesus had to die, this is a beautiful starting point.

And the best part? Minno is making the Easter Special available to stream for FREE ...no membership required! So whether you’ve been a long-time fan of their faith-filled content or are just now discovering them, this is a wonderful way to keep Jesus at the center of your celebration.

Easter is the perfect opportunity to have faith-filled conversations with our children and grandchildren. With resources like this, we can plant those seeds of truth and watch them grow. Keep reading for our family review—and don’t forget to use the free link below to stream the special today!

Family Review...

So, let's just begin with my grandkid's review of the movie from the oldest to the youngest. 

Judah: 12-year-old.

He's the only one to actually write out his review. 

"Very Cute show. Funny yet direct. I would recommend it for kids 6 and under." 

After we discussed his review, he added that he thought the kids would like the animation and the humor. 

 

Eli: 9-year-old...he'll be 10 in July. 

"It was great! I liked the miracles."

Abby: 5-year-old. 

"It was awesome! My favorite part is the guy who actually tells the story" 

Daniel: 1-year-old. 

Well...he didn't actually say
anything. He is a man of few words. But a picture is worth a thousand words, is it not? 

Here, we see him stuffing the puffed popcorn in his mouth while watching the movie. The boy loves his popcorn! I'm thinking the eyes say it all. Yep, he loved the movie too!

When not busy eating, he had to get right up to the TV to take it all in.

And now for Gigi’s take…

My Review... 

Watching Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible Easter Special with my grandkids was more than just screen time—it was meaningful time together. I loved seeing the expressions on their faces as they watched… when I wasn’t busy serving up popcorn and chocolate milk. Yep, I said chocolate milk—don’t judge me!

This beautifully crafted special walks kids through the story of Jesus—from His birth all the way to His resurrection—with tenderness, humor, and truth. It’s such a sweet and engaging way to share the miracle and joy of Easter in a way young hearts can truly grasp.

As a grandparent, I’m so grateful for resources like this that help plant seeds of faith while creating memories we’ll all hold onto.
It’s moments like these—snuggled up with snacks and truth-filled stories—that remind me how powerful simple seeds of faith can be. If you're looking for a way to create those kinds of moments with your own kids or grandkids, this Easter special is a beautiful place to begin.

You don’t have to be a Minno member to watch! Stream the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Easter Special completely FREE by using my link below.

👉WATCH Minno's Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Easter Special FREE at this link: Laugh and Grow Bible For Kids Easter Special

If your family enjoyed the Laugh and Grow Bible Easter Special, you might want to explore more of what Minno offers. 

Minno is a Christian streaming service designed for kids, featuring over 170 fun and faith-filled shows. From beloved classics like VeggieTales to engaging originals such as Young David and Micah’s Super Vlog, there's a wide variety of content to help children grow in their faith.​

 

If you're interested, Minno offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to explore their content before committing to a subscription. Just head over to this link and scroll down to find the free trial link: 7-day free trial

Giveaway...

Want a chance at winning a $10 Amazon Gift Card?  You can enter on the rafflecopter below. The Giveaway runs from 4/14/2025 through 4/21/2025.  Available to U.S. winners only.

Enter info on the rafflecopter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Many thanks to Minno for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#MinnoEasterMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @gominno

The Book Girl

I'm a book girl. I love everything about books—the stories, the feel, even the scent of their pages.

This love affair I have with books began at a very early age. I don't remember exactly when I started reading on my own, but my mother was reading to me long before then—likely when I was just a toddler.

Reading was crucial to my mother. She read to us—her five children—from her favorite poems and prose while we were still young enough to gather at her knee. With five children born within seven years, getting us to sit still and listen was no small feat. Yet, she read to us from books filled with selections from her favorite authors.

But sit we did. And I soaked in every word. I still remember why there was "no joy in Mudville"...the mighty Casey had struck out. If you've never read 'Casey at the Bat' by Ernest Thayer, look it up and read it to your kids. Talk about it. It might make for an interesting conversation.

And who can forget Poe's haunting words from 'The Raven' "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary..."? This sparked my love of tales filled with mystery and suspense. As did many other readings from my mother's book, The Collected Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe that remained on our family bookshelf for many years. Oh, how I loved to read from that collection.

Our home library was filled with books. and from the many books my mother read to us, some became lifelong favorites. Some of those books became more than just stories to me—they became part of my childhood, shaping the way I saw the world. Here are a few that left the deepest impressions on me...

Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses—a collection so deeply ingrained in my memory that if you started quoting a poem today, I could likely finish it for you. 

We had an entire shelf filled with Nancy Drew mysteries, and I eagerly devoured every single one. Though I’m not sure what became of that collection, I’ve recently taken to scouring used bookstores, searching for editions from those same years—this time, to build a special collection for my granddaughter.

L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz—a story that not only captivated me in print but also became a beloved film, watched year after year for decades.

Lewis Carroll's (pen name) Alice in Wonderland...Through the Looking Glass. 

Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. I will forever cherish the memory of my mother reading Rikki-Tikki-Tavi to us—a favorite, to be sure. 

As my love for books grew, I discovered authors whose stories not only entertained but also left a lasting impression. As I got older, I expanded my interests. In my early teens, I began reading the clean romance novels on the shelf in our hallway—thanks to Mama. That’s when I found Grace Livingston Hill and Emilie Loring, two writers whose novels captured my heart with their timeless tales of love, honor, and perseverance.

Hill’s stories, deeply rooted in Christian faith, followed strong heroines who faced adversity with unwavering courage and conviction. Loring, on the other hand, wove sweet romance with elements of adventure and intrigue, crafting love stories set against vivid backdrops of mystery and excitement. Their books became treasured favorites, offering not just romance, but inspiration and an enduring sense of hope.

Then came my gothic suspense romance phase. I’m pretty sure I have read every book by Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, and Phyllis A. Whitney. These authors masterfully blended romance with intrigue, transporting readers to windswept estates, shadowy castles, and exotic locales filled with secrets. Stewart’s novels often featured intelligent, independent heroines caught in suspenseful, atmospheric adventures. Holt, known as the queen of gothic romance, wove tales of love and danger, often set in brooding mansions with dark family secrets. Whitney, a pioneer of romantic suspense, created stories brimming with mystery, danger, and strong-willed heroines determined to uncover the truth. Their books kept me turning pages late into the night, my heart pounding with each twist and revelation.

My love for historical fiction novels began in the eighth grade, thanks to my Georgia History teacher, Mr. Ted Key. He introduced our class to The Lighthouse by Eugenia Price, a novel that brought history to life in a way I had never experienced before. Years later, I picked up The Lighthouse again and fell in love with it all over. That rekindled my passion for Price’s storytelling, leading me to read nearly all her Georgia historical novels.

Eugenia Price was a master of weaving rich historical detail with compelling fiction. Known for her meticulously researched novels set in the American South, she brought the past to life through vivid characters, sweeping landscapes, and intricate family sagas. Her St. Simons Trilogy, which includes The Lighthouse, New Moon Rising, and The Beloved Invader, paints a captivating portrait of Georgia’s coastal history, blending real-life figures with deeply human stories of love, faith, and perseverance. Through her books, I not only traveled back in time but also developed a deeper appreciation for the history of my home state. And, a side note, I absolutely love visiting St Simons Island!

In high school, a dear friend introduced me to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, along with the writings of C.S. Lewis, and George MacDonald, and the allegorical poems of Calvin Miller. That introduction sparked a deep love for Tolkien’s world, and to this day, I’ve read through The Lord of the Rings more than five times. What can I say? Some books are simply meant to be revisited.

In college, my love affair with reading only deepened. Though I began as a Vocal Music major—my voice scholarship helping to pave the way—I found myself drawn to courses that required reading more literature. English Lit, Modern Lit, and even a Shakespeare course that I absolutely adored kept me immersed in the written word, proving that my passion for books would always find its way into my life, no matter my academic path.

All of these books—and so many others I’ve read, too many to name—have left a deep imprint on my soul, creating an insatiable hunger for more. To say I love books might be an understatement. As Louisa May Alcott famously wrote, "She is too fond of books; it has turned her brain".   

 I can totally relate to that quote! Books like Little Women challenge us to pause and reflect on how we see ourselves and the world around us.  Books have shaped my sense of right and wrong, carried me on thrilling adventures to far-off lands, and broadened my perspective by revealing ways of thinking vastly different from my own. Through their pages, I have encountered characters who embody valor, courage, and chivalry—qualities that have inspired me in my own life.

Books have been my lifelong companions—faithful friends that have shaped my imagination, challenged my thinking, and deepened my love for storytelling. The characters I've met and the worlds I've explored within their pages have left lasting imprints on my heart. Even now, as I turn the crisp pages of a well-loved book or breathe in that familiar scent of ink and paper, I am reminded that my love affair with books is far from over. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

And yet, of all the books I have ever read, there is one that I cherish more than all others—the Bible. More than just a book, God's word is living, powerful, and life-transforming. His word has shaped my heart in ways no other words ever could. It has revealed truth, given wisdom, and drawn me closer to His heart.

So, if you’re looking for your next great read, I challenge you to open the pages of God’s Word. Whether you start with the Psalms, the Gospels, or a single verse to ponder, I promise it is a book that will never leave you the same. And who knows? You just might find yourself completely captivated—heart and soul—by the One who wrote the greatest love story of all.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." ~Psalm 119:105 

Between Borders: Movie Review and Giveaway!

It's been a while since I have written here at Captive Heart. I've been doing most of my writing on the Pretty and Wise website. I've been writing and speaking as a Pretty and Wise Co team member since its inception. We do a yearly conference in the Richmond, VA, area every October and a women's spring retreat each spring at Camp Rudolph in Yale, VA. So go over and check us out. We would love to connect with you personally at one of our events!

As you know, I love to bring you resources that can encourage you in your faith. So today I am really excited to be doing a review and giveaway for the movie BETWEEN BORDERS. It's in theaters only January 26-28th! So check out my review below, and be sure to follow my link to purchase your tickets today before they sell out!

Overview

Title: Between Borders 

Studio: Pinnacle Peak Pictures and StoryLight Productions

Genre: Biography, History, Christian, Drama

Directed by: Mark Freiburger

Run Time: 1h 35m

• Cast: Elizabeth Tabish,(The Chosen, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”)   as Violetta Petrosyan; Patrick Sabongui (The Hunting Party, “Black Adam”) as Ivan Petrosyan; Elizabeth Mitchell as Carrie Whitlow; Ana Ularu as Kate Owens; Stelio Savante as Duane; Florin Penisoara as Dimitri; Adrian Titieni as Vova; Michael Paul Chan as The Judge
  
  
  

Rating: PG13 

Buy tickets today to see Between Borders in theaters only January 26-28!

Purchase your movie tickets here: Between Borders Movie, Fathom Events.

My Review💛💛💛💛

This is based on a true story about a family caught up amid the bloody military conflict that erupted in 1988 near the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. For decades, Russia had kept the peace among the Soviet Nations...but as her powers weakened in the 80s, unrest began to emerge between the member nations. This resulted in thousands of Armenians becoming the targets of ethnic cleansing.  

As the story begins, we meet Violetta Petrosyan, a respected school administrator in Baku, Azerbaijan. She is a proud member of the Communist Party, and Russia has always been her home. Her husband, Ivan, is a rocket scientist specializing in jet propulsion. They are living a relatively peaceful and comfortable life with their two children, even though ethnically, they are Armenian. Up to this point in their lives, they were used to the occasional burst of ethnic tension and the infrequent derogatory remarks. But things are rapidly changing.

As the ethnic cleansing ramps up in the crumbling Soviet Union, the Petrosyan family find themselves as outcasts. Marked by their own Armenian heritage, they become the victims of discrimination and oppression, first in their home country of Azerbaijan and then as exiles in Russia. 

It would seem that there is no 'home' suitable for this peace-loving family. Everything they once had has been stripped away from them. And yet they continue to lean on one another and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

After finding their eternal hope in Jesus through a church planted by American missionaries, the hostility of everyday life pushes this Armenian refugee family to seek asylum in the United States. 

And this is where the story begins...in the courtroom. 

"In the shadow of exile, hope became their home."

This story of one family's journey to freedom and faith is one you do not want to miss. The acting is excellent, particularly that of Elizabeth Tabish and Patrick Sabongui as Violetta and Ivan. The script is well written. 

So many things to think about after watching this film. It will stay with you long after the closing credits. 

This would be a good movie to see with older teens. While there is no bad language or explicit acts of violence portrayed on film...it is alluded to, and the subject matter is more suitable for mature young people and adults. I recommend you go see it! 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

View the trailer:

Before you go make sure you enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only. If you should win, I will contact you to make sure I have your full name and email address by 1/29/25). 

#BetweenBordersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition...Review and Bible giveaway!

 The past few weeks...more like months...have been difficult. Dealing with hard things brought about a season of contemplation and basically put the brakes on life for a bit. 

I wrote about what's been happening in my latest article on the Pretty & Wise site here:  Just Sit With It.   I would appreciate it if you head over there to read it when you get a minute or two. It is a quick read but, oh, so heartfelt. 

Because of all the things going on, and putting a few things on hold, I'm a bit late getting this article written. But I didn't want to skip it. It is such a great resource for families and I didn't want you to miss out on a chance to win a copy of this Bible for your child. I love giving away Bibles!

I'm giving away a hardcover copy of The Action Bible: Faith In Action Edition! So check out the specs and my review and then enter the contest below.

About the Bible

For the past decade, The Action Bible has been instrumental in engaging millions of kids across the world with the stories of the Bible and the saving power of Jesus Christ. With vivid illustrations and fast-paced stories, children have connected with God's Word in new ways.  According to the publisher, David C Cook, this has led to many kids, and families, coming to know Christ as their Savior, joining a church, getting baptized, and growing in their faith. 

Based on the original bestselling title, The Action Bible, they have created a new interactive edition, The Action Bible: Faith In Action Edition. 

This new edition is designed to go beyond Bible knowledge and help your child grow a strong personal relationship with Christ. Kids learn to live out their faith through seven major themes of the Bible. These themes are identified with these Faith in Action badges found in the stories throughout the Bible: Courage, Faith, Hope, Love, Service, Trust, and Wisdom. 

Features

• Vivid illustrations and short impactful stories help connect Gen Zs and Gen Alphas to God’s Word.

• Stories are in chronological order to better help kids understand God’s redemptive story.

• The Faith in Action Edition is about helping kids Engage in God’s Word, Grow in God’s Word, and Live God’s Word.

• Spiritual Growth Resources include over 200 devotionals, prayers, character stories, teaching videos, timelines, maps, and Bible facts.

• Kids and parents can access digital resources by scanning QR codes throughout the Bible.

• Major themes of the Bible are highlighted throughout with icons that help kids personalize their faith and live God’s Word. 

• The Faith In Action Edition is the most complete interactive Bible for kids and teens.

My Review

As I looked through this Bible, I wondered if it was just for very young children or if was it for young teens as well. To me, this looks much like the Bible told in short story form and illustrated in comic book-style artwork. It is very well done for sure...but I just wasn't sure what might interest young teens these days. So I asked my son, who works with the youth group at church...mostly, young teens are in this group of kids. He said, "Yep. They would like it."  So there's that. 

Now when I say comic book-style illustrations, I'm talking really good quality work. I looked up info on the illustrator and found this: 

 Sergio Cariello used his experience working for Marvel Comics and DC Comics to bring his dream of illustrating the Bible to life. As a young boy, he grew up with a Portuguese translation of The Picture Bible and never imagined he would one day work on the Bible as an artist.

That's pretty impressive. We live in a fast-paced, media-driven world. It can take something 'extra' to get kids and young adults engaged because of what they are accustomed to consuming. 

I would not necessarily recommend a Bible such as this, in its short story/comic book style form to the mature believer looking for a Bible that will get them engaged in in-depth study. But I would recommend it to those children, young people, and adults who are looking for a way to get a good overview of God's Word. A practical, fun, and engaging starting point for sure that can cultivate a hunger for more of God's Word.  Something that just might spark the beginning of a great thirst for engaging God's Word and set the stage for the great adventure of a lifetime of getting into the Word to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and His Word. 

The resources look to be an added benefit for the individual reading it as well as for parents looking for ways to engage with their child together in his/her daily Bible reading and study. It looks to be a fun resource for homeschooling families as well. 

So I would recommend this to young families looking for resources that will aid you in getting your kids, young and older, into the Word! 

*Many thanks to David C Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Order your copy of the Faith In Action Edtion of the Action Bible Today!

Find out more here: The Action Bible 

Purchase it on Amazon here: The Action Bible: Faith In Action Edition

Giveaway

I'm giving away 1 copy of The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition!! 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only). 

This is a quickly ending contest so be sure to enter now on the rafflecopter below! 

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Holman's Old Testament Handbook: A Review and Giveaway

"The entirety of your word is truth" ~ Psalm 119:160a

I am always excited to present to you new resources that can inform and enrich your study of God's Word. So I was extra excited to get a chance to review a copy of Holman's Old Testament Handbook. So let's dive in...

About The Book

Immerse yourself in The Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.

The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Features

• High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime

Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament

More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book

• A Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing

My Review

First of all, I just have to say that this is a beautiful book to behold. With its foil-stamped charcoal-colored cloth-over-board cover, it is a pleasure to hold in my hands! Not kidding...it's gorgeous! Even the pages with their thickness and buttery softness testify to the care that went into the making of this beauty. Many of the infographics within the book are worthy to be put in a frame and hung on your wall...but please don't. 

If you are a book lover, as I am, the quality of the material matters for those books that you retain for your reference bookshelves. This book was put together with the intent of repeated use over the years. 

There are so many features within this Handbook to love...

It begins with a letter from the publisher that contains the reason this book is so aesthetically pleasing to the senses. It has much to do with how the craftsmen and artisans of the Old Testament "were instructed to complete their tasks for the combined effect of both glory and beauty." Seriously, buy the book and read the intro for yourself. 

It goes on to give an introduction to the whole of the Old Testament as God's timely and inspired word as it explains the composition and canon of the Old Testament, the making of the Old Testament, God's Spirit in the guiding of the process, the reception of the Old Testament and why our canon is on target. 

Then comes the meat of the book... Each book begins with a genre indicator, a one-sentence summary, a book introduction, and an outline. Then follows various word studies, maps, and timelines where pertinent to each book. 

I really appreciate the charts and tables connecting Christ and key themes across Scripture as well as the infographics about key figures and events. 

If you are looking for a book to help you in your understanding of the Old Testament as you read through your Bible...or even to give you all the necessary context as you begin studying a book of the Old Testament this would be a great tool to have on your bookshelf. I highly recommend this handbook. 

You can purchase your copy of The Old Testament Handbook today at this link: 

The Old Testament Handbook  Oh...and with Christmas coming this would make a great gift! 

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#OldTestamentHandbookMIN #theoldtestamenthandbook #christianstandardbible #CSB #holmanhandbookseries #holmanhandbook #holmanbibles #othandbook @christianstandardbible @bhpub

Be sure to check out and enter my giveaway below before you go!

Giveaway

 I am NOT personally giving away a copy of The Old Testament Handbook but I do have a fun giveaway. You can enter the rafflecopter below to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Surprised By Oxford: Movie Review & Giveaway

I don't know how I missed it. But I never read Carolyn Weber's memoir, Surprised By Oxford. 

Now that I have had the opportunity to preview the film adaptation of her book I will definitely be getting the book to add to my TBR pile. Because I still lean into that old saying, 'The book is better than the movie.'  But that remains to be seen in the case of this book/movie. Suffice it to say that the movie was good enough to lead me to want more. And I suspect I will get more from reading Professor Weber's memoir. 

Overview

Title: Surprised By Oxford

Studio: Evolve Studios, Nook Lane, Ascendant Fox

Genre: Faith-inspired, Drama, Romance

Directed by: Ryan Whitaker

Run Time: 1h 42m

• Cast: Rose Reid as Caro Drake; Ruairi O’Connor as Kent Weber; Phyllis Logan as Provost Regina Knight; Emma Naomi as Hannah; Jordan Alexandra as Linnea; Louis Landau as Edward; Simon Callow as Dr. Sterling; Mark Williams as Professor Nuttham; Ed Stoppard as Dr. Condorston; Lourdes Faberes as Professor Rutledge; Michael Culkin as Professor McTeague; Nila Aalia as Vice Chancellor Kirke; George Jaques as Bill
  
  
  

Rating: I don't believe it is rated, but I would venture to say it is PG-13 due to the realistic nature of the film. There is occasional profanity, etc. I will leave a link here to the Plugged In review that goes further into issues in the movie that might be of concern to family viewing. Here is the link: Plugged In Review

Available to rent or buy November 2023

Purchase your movie here: SURPRISED BY OXFORD MOVIE

My Review💛💛💛💛

Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford determined to attain her Ph.D. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love. 

That's the short of it. But really there is so much more. The beginning of the movie sets the stage for understanding the source of this young woman's quest for truth, and trust as it gives us a bit of her childhood background story. 

Later...In a scene with her undergraduate college professor where she gives her analysis of John Donne's Holy Sonnet 14, he lets her know that she is missing the point and states that "anything without eternal significance is ultimately doomed to futility. The truth is in the paradox..." This sets us up for what is to come as she heads off to Oxford for her postgraduate studies. 

Caro wrestles with unsettled feelings of a desire for what is real, what is true, whatever that thing is that we all long for. The thing our soul longs for. Her friend leads her to read C.S. Lewis' book, Surprised By Joy, which is his recounting of his early life and his lifelong search for Joy which leads him ultimately to find God. 

There are so many underlying nods to the link between the intellectual quest for truth and understanding of human nature and the 'God who is there', without being 'in your face' with it. As Caro says, "Maybe we reach for something or desire something because that something is there...beyond us. The thing our desires point to." 

And we have the picture of the struggle in the romance between Caro and Kent. There seems to be a parallel here in the picture of God's pursuit of Caro and Kent's pursuit...even as he gives up the pursuit out of love and respect for her wishes. There is a scene where Caro and her friends are viewing William Holman Hunt's painting of Jesus standing at the door and knocking. One of the friends notes that there is a problem with the painting. There is no handle on the door. 

That is the beauty of the pursuit of God...He waits for us to open the door.  Ultimately it is up to Caro...to open the door of her heart. 

I hope this spurs you to go watch the movie...and maybe go read the book as well. 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." ~Revelation 3:20

Go “Behind the Story” with Annie Downs interview...

SURPRISED BY OXFORD IS AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY FOR THE MONTH

OF NOVEMBER. Just go to this link: SURPRISED BY OXFORD MOVIE.

Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Giveaway

I'm giving away a free Vimeo download code to watch the film!! To enter just leave a comment below with your full name and email. No rafflecopter this time. I'll do a drawing for the winner on November 20. 

Note: This is limited to US winners only