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
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
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.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servants;
her very dust moves them to pity. ~ Psalm 102:13-14
There is a new movie in theaters nationwide September 18th & 9th. I have had the privilege of pre-screening the movie, so I am giving you a quick review here. I love it when I can point my readers to resources that will enrich their knowledge of God and His Word. So I'm so excited to share this with you!
Carving through the heart of the Promised Land is the biblical spine of Israel, sometimes referred to as the Path of the Patriarchs and officially designated as Route 60. A highway of deep historical significance while often the scene of unrest and violence, this 146-mile road of asphalt and concrete begins in Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city, and ends in Beersheba, one of Israel’s high-tech centers. Running north to south, Route 60 connects ancient Israel with modern Israel, Jews and Christians with Muslims, and Israelis with Palestinians. This trek is far more than a two-lane highway; it is a historic, sacred link to the roots of Judaism and Christianity and the stories of the Old and New Testaments. Follow world-changing diplomats David Friedman and Mike Pompeo as they venture down this sacred road, treading the very ground Abraham, Jacob, King David, and Jesus once walked. Discover the history, witness the healing, and realize the hope along Route 60, the Biblical Highway.
What others are saying:
“Visually stunning and compelling storytelling.” - Mike Huckabee
“ROUTE 60 combines the truth of the Bible with undeniable archaeological proof, and like our tour guides, Pompeo and Friedman, that’s a powerful combination!” - Erick Stakelbeck
"From the beginning, the road to believing in only one true God, the maker of heaven and earth, has carved its roots through the ancient land of Israel..."
"This road is deeply symbolic in the story of God shared by Jews and Christians and it a literal highway that bisects modern Israel ... where it is now known simply as Route 60." (from the movie).
There are treasures within this movie and along Route 60, that hold deep wells of truth and meaning for all of mankind. As David Friedman says, "We all come from a common humanity." There is not only a retelling of Biblical events as they travel this road, but also of their own personal stories as they relate to each location visited along the route. They also make connections from the ancient path to current historical significance for us today. All of this is woven brilliantly throughout the movie.
It is a movie that made me consider our own current attitudes about the roots of our beginnings here in the United States, all the while strengthening my own resolve to visit to Israel and make that pilgrimage before I die.
This is a remarkable movie. Make sure you get out to see it!
Watch the Trailer:
*Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#Route60MIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Buy tickets today to see Route 60 in theaters September 18 & 19
Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 9/23/23. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).
*I'm not doing my typical rafflecopter this time. To enter you must go to my Captive Heart Facebook page and comment that you read my review below the link to this post on the FB page here: Captive Heart*
Angel Studios, who brought us THE CHOSEN, is releasing a new film, HIS ONLY SON. For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and Isaac will be brought to life. I've had the privilege of pre-screening the movie and I'm giving you a quick review here on the blog. Make sure you keep reading to the end of this post because I have a fun giveaway too!!
Rating: PG-13, for thematic content and some violence
Run Time: 1hr. 46 min.
In Theaters: March 31st, release date.
Director: David Helling
Starring: Nicholas Mouawad, Sara Seyed, Edaan Moskowitz, Daniel da Silva, Luis Fernandez-Gil, Scot Cooper, Eta Pico, Aranna White, Ottavio Taddei, Nicholai Perez
His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.
My Review
💛💛💛💛
As the movie begins, we find Abraham being awakened from his sleep by the voice of God telling him to go to the mountain of Moriah to offer his son as a sacrifice to the LORD, God. Those who are familiar with this passage in Genesis 22, understand this as a time of testing Abraham's faithfulness to God. It is a particularly troubling story in the Bible that is hard to comprehend.
Abraham sets out the next morning with Isaac, two servants, and the wood for the offering. Over the course of their Journey to the mountain, the movie realistically recounts moments of Abraham's life in flashback scenes. Going all the way back to the call of Abraham, or Abram as he was named. (Genesis 12).
From the beginning and throughout his journey Abraham seems depressed, but that is most likely how he truly felt given his mission from God. He is tortured by the task before him, as he recounts his life up to this point.
The movie gives off a very contemplative vibe, both in the actors' actions and their words, and in the beautifully orchestrated soundtrack, as well.
I won't go into details so as not to spoil it for you. But I have to say, they handled some of the storylines in ways I had never considered. Especially in the way Sarah and Abraham, separately and together, handled the whole problem of Sarah being barren. I really love the way they dealt with this.
The performances were pretty good, Sarah grew on me as the movie progressed. But I thought that Nicholas Mouawad, as the Patriarch Abraham, was especially good in his portrayal. He pulls you into the story and into his soul. (At one point in the movie, he had me boohooing into my Chocolate Swiss Almond Haagen Daas...just sayin').
The movie opens with two verses, John 8:56 and 8:58. Two statements Jesus made to the Jews in the New Testament.
"Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad."
"Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
In the last scene, we see a man on a cross...at the very place where Abraham had offered his only son as a sacrifice to God (or so some scholars believe), 2000 years earlier. The movie so clearly portrays the foreshadowing of the sacrificial love of God, the Father, through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. This makes this an especially good movie to watch as we approach Good Friday.
Go see it. You'll be glad you did.
"Because you have not withheld your son, your only son, all the nations of the earth will be blessed."
*Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.
#HisOnlySonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st!
Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 4/5/23. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner!
One love can change your life. One life can change the world. From the creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, comes an inspiring love story for the ages. Rediscover the wonder of love in I STILL BELIEVE, based on the real-life story of chart-topping singer Jeremy Camp.
Movie info and review mashup...
I Still Believe, rated PG, was released in Theaters earlier this year on March 13th but was rushed to video on demand(3/27/20) following theater shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's a shame because it is a beautiful film and I would have loved to have seen it on the big screen.
I don't know if you know much about Jeremy Camp. Before this movie, I just knew that I really enjoyed his music. I had not followed his story and vaguely remembered that his wife, Melissa, had had ovarian cancer. Maybe I'm just getting old, but somehow I don't remember hearing the story of his loss. If you are a fan or have been to one of his concerts, you may already be familiar with the story...or parts of it that are covered in the movie. After having the opportunity to preview the movie, I now know, as they say...the rest of the story. A story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. A story of love, faith, struggle, loss, heartbreak, redemption, and restoration. Jeremy's story is really Melissa's story. In the telling of her story, we are given a glimpse into the lives of two young people who put their faith and trust in Jesus, who walk through the kind of trials that can wreck a person's faith, and yet are able to say as Job did, "Yet will I trust Him." Just in case you, like me, have had your head in the sand and don't already know the full story, no worries...I don't want to spoil it for you so I will refrain from sharing it here. Suffice it to say...I am so glad that Jeremy has written his memoir so that it could be made into this truly inspiring film. At the beginning of the movie, there is a point where Jeremy asks Jean-Luc, lead singer of The Kry who later becomes his mentor, how to 'make it' in the music industry. Jean-Luc replies, "It's not about making it. It's about what our songs give people." He goes on to tell him, "Write what you care about...what you're afraid of...the truth...write what you love." As the movie progresses I realized that this is exactly what Jeremy has done...with his music and with his life. Here is a spotlight video with Jeremy on the making of the film.
There is a message that shines brightly within Melissa and Jeremy's story. Putting our faith and trust in Jesus does not mean we will bi-pass the trials and suffering in this life. Suffering is a refining fire. It not only tests our faith but shapes our character, and prepares us for the journey to a higher calling. As Melissa said,
Suffering doesn't destroy faith, it refines it.
But you have a choice to make. Will you choose to walk through the fire trusting that He is walking with you? When you are broken will you walk by faith? When you cannot see the journey ahead will you walk by faith...or will you just walk away? I would encourage you to watch this movie. I sometimes avoid movies that make me cry. And yes, this movie made me cry. But I would watch again today if I still had access to the link that was provided to preview the movie...and I will watch it again when I get the movie. I believe it will touch your heart and perhaps make you think a bit more deeply about your own life story...your loss, your doubts, your struggles, and your faith. And to know through it all...there is hope! Official Movie Trailer As of today's date, May 5th, I Still Believe is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digitally. You can get your copy here: I Still Believe Movie Website
Here's another exclusive clip from the movie, courtesy of Lev3L
Here's the Giveaway...
FREE digital edition of I Still Believe**
I Still Believe pop socket(for your smartphone)
I Still Believe wristband
Exclusive Q&A with Jeremy Camp(via video)
***Prime Video or comparable(platform TBD)
Just leave a comment on the blog...below, and then come back here to the Rafflecopter entry form to do all the things to be entered in the contest.
Have you heard about the new movie coming out Easter Weekend? If not keep reading. I've had the privilege of viewing a pre-screening of the movie and I'm giving you a quick review here on the blog. Make sure you keep reading to the end of this post because I have an awesome giveaway too!!
Revelation Media and Fathom Events
About the book...
The Pilgrim's Progress. First published in 1678, this book has remained one of the most widely read Christian allegories still in print! More copies of this epic tale have been sold than any other Christian book, second only to the Bible. It has been translated in more than 200 languages and has never been out of print. The author of the story, John Bunyan, was a pastor imprisoned for unauthorized (not sanctioned by the Church of England) preaching of the gospel in small house meetings. During the 12 years of imprisonment, Bunyan wrote many books, one of which was The Pilgrim's Progress.
It has been said that no-one just finds the book. But rather the book finds them.
This powerful allegory gives us a tangible description of the spiritual journey a Christian must embark upon. It gives us a name for our struggle with doubt...even more, a place...a dungeon where lives the Giant Despair. The Slough of Despond accurately gives a name to our times of discouragement and despair. Vanity Fair is a town that represents the indulgence of our own sinful desires. It gives a name to those who would walk beside us on our journey, Faithful and Hopeful. Each of these encounters and so many more in Bunyan's book give us a bird's eye view of what our spiritual journey requires, and in doing so brings hope and encouragement to the reader.
Throughout Christian's journey, the King sends reminders that he is not alone.
About the movie...
The movie is based on John Bunyan's epic masterpiece,The Pilgrim's Progress. A family-friendly feature-length CGI animated film and it is coming to theaters Easter Weekend! April 18 & 20th. Check this site to find a theater near you: https://www.pilgrims.movie/theaters
Copyright Revelation Media and
Fathom Events
In watching the movie I was quickly drawn into Christian's journey. It is so rich in allegory, that I could not help but make comparisons of the obstacles that Christian encounters along his journey (to the Celestial City) with my own faith journey. Who would ever expect that an animated movie would bring about so much introspection?
If you are looking for movies that give your children the courage to do the right thing...to stay true to the path that God has laid out for them, take them to see this movie.
I really enjoyed this movie and I think you will too. It is a vivid retelling of the original tale. I would recommend families watch it together and after the movie take some time to talk about Christian's journey.
The Evil Apollyon will stop at nothing to keep Christian from the Celestial City.
Age appropriateness: I will say that this is probably not for very young(2-4 yrs) children as some of the scenes may be a bit intense, if not frightening, as there are times where it depicts the attacks on Christian...bringing to light the battle in the Spiritual realms as the attacks are demonic in nature.
As for 5-6 years olds, it would depend on the sensitive nature and maturity of your child. For 7 year old to adults, I most definitely recommend going to see this movie.
The Hill of Salvation! Where Christian's burdens are released and his journey takes a turn.
Watch the Official movie trailer here and then scroll down to enter the giveaway!! Trailer
Here's the giveaway...
6 Movie tickets!!! 2 movie tickets each to 3 separate winners!!!
A beautiful full-color coffee table style hardcover edition of The Pilgrim's Progress Illustrated Storybook($24.95 retail value)!! I have 3 copies to give away to 3 separate winners!!!
To enter leave a comment on this post. Then enter your info on the rafflecopter. I'll need your email to send your Fandango e-gift card for your tickets and to contact you to find out where to send the book. So...enter on the rafflecopter and then leave a comment in the comment section under this blog post.
Note: only US-based giveaway winners are eligible due to Fandango limitations in Canada and outside the US Oh...and if you have a group of 10 or more people, or if the movie is not scheduled to come to your town, the Group Tickets team can help you out. Just go to this link to fill out the form: GROUP TICKETS See you at the movies!! #ThePilgrimsProgressL3
Louisa May Alcott's novel, Little Women has endured as a favorite for 150 years. It is considered to be a timeless classic, and rightly so as it has served as an inspiration to generations of women. Originally published on September 30, 1868, Little Women remains a favorite and continues to inspire and encourage women, young and old, to dream new dreams and pursue purposeful lives.
"I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen."
At the beginning of Alcott's writing career, she wrote poems, short stories, and potboiler dramas. Then in 1868, her publisher asked her to write a book for "little girls"...and the rest, as they say, is history. And now, on the 150th anniversary of Alcott’s original release, a modern retelling of LITTLE WOMEN brings us the same story of those beloved sisters to a new generation.
Movie Synopsis
(Pinnacle Peak Pictures) Sisters—and dreams—are unique in their ability to inspire, encourage and change the world. From girls playing in the attic to women living with purpose, the March sisters- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy- are committed to always supporting each other. Yet growing up sometimes means growing apart. An aspiring writer, Jo leaves for New York determined to publish a novel. In the wake of rejected draft upon draft, her editor challenges Jo to write about something more interesting...her family. When tragedy brings the sisters back home, sticking together takes on new meaning. As Jo comforts her sick sister, Beth asks for one thing: a story. Jo knows the perfect one by heart. Starring Lea Thompson as Marmee and featuring a talented cast, Including Lucas Grabeel and Ian Bohen, LITTLE WOMEN tells the story of the same beloved sisters to a new generation. Celebrating dreams, family and unconditional love, LITTLE WOMEN opens in theaters this weekend(Sept. 28th).
Themes
Family
Purpose: Finding your purpose, following your dreams
Friendship
Love
Identity
My thoughts
I have to admit when I screened this movie, I was ill prepared to do a true comparison to other Little Women movies...or even with the book. It has been so long since I had read Little Women that I needed to do some research to get the story back into my recent memory.
While some of the elements of the story are obviously different than the original story, such as Marmee(Lea Thompson)dealing with creditors on the phone while her husband is overseas in Afghanistan serving as an Army medic, the heart of the story remains true to the original. The unshakable bond between the March sisters remains the same...and that is the heart of this film.
Pinnacle Peak Pictures
Jo (Sarah Davenport) works on her novel in “Little Women.”
The movie begins with Jo going to New York where she has grand plans to publish a novel and then continues a series of flashbacks to where it all began...in her family home, growing up with her sisters and their wise mother, Marmee who encourages them to follow their dreams.
I admit that I did get a little confused at a point or two with the chronological flashbacks, but overall the story began to flow for me and I settled in to enjoy the movie.
I did get a little put off with how strongly cruel Jo could be to her sisters, particularly to her sister Amy...but sibling spats can resort to being mean-spirited arguments. I have to admit the 'B' word did come to mind a time or two, but as Jo grew in character some of that meanness lessened as well. And in the end, there is reconciliation...which in my opinion is a necessary element of a good story.
Pinnacle Peak Pictures
I'll leave the rest of the storyline for you to discover. The writer and director of this modern retelling seem to have worked hard at staying true to the heart of the original. The themes of celebrating sisterhood, unconditional love, and the quest of following your dreams come through clearly in this beautiful retelling of this much loved classic novel.
Genre: drama Rating: PG-13 Release date: 9/28/18 Studio: Pinnacle Peak Talent: Lea Thompson (BACK TO THE FUTURE), Sarah Davenport, Lucas Grabeel (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL), Ian Bohen, Bart Johnson (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL). Ticket Info here.
Giveaway
