Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas – Review

Kirk Cameron's Saving ChristmasI was on a recent call with Kirk Cameron talking about his latest film, “Saving Christmas.” The film releases Friday, November 14th and will only be in theaters for a two-week limited engagement. While the promotions suggest the film is a sitcom, a genre that Cameron clearly mastered, it’s actually a narrated documentary with humorous and entertaining vignettes.

The production values and the style of the film are similar to that of a mega church Christmas production. While there were several golden educational moments in the film, I would’ve preferred watching a holiday sitcom, especially with Cameron at the helm.

With that said, the comedic acting was done well and I was surprised to find Cameron playing the wise archetype, rather than the main character. While Cameron got the lead billing, Darren Doane played the lead role who goes through a transformational change from a Faith-Scrooge to a Christmas-Believer.

The prominence of a wise archetype over the main character in the Christian genre is not new, as it helps to promote the ancillary materials and videos. And, with Cameron on a success track with his other endeavors (Monumental, Unstoppable and Fireproof), positioning him as the spokesperson made sense.

Kirk CameronCameron fielded an hours worth of questions and I was amazed that few were related to his film. Most questions on the call were about his philosophies as an Evangelical dad of six home schooled kids. To some extent the questions seemed to fit when you consider the majority of Cameron’s super fans are from home schooling families.

One of Cameron’s valuable tips suggested that one-on-one time with kids is best done in the natural moments that come up daily. He added that ideal family devotional time is in the car, eating dinner, and during other on-the-go together times.

The production was made in association with Liberty University, suggesting students had an opportunity to be a part of the feature documentary. Several of the key players involved were the same ones that turned Cameron’s Unstoppable into a box office success, making $3.2MM in two nights. Having watched both, there are great improvements in the quality of this picture.

Cameron is used to the success and takes it all in stride. “I think it’s a little different in your own home town where people are used to seeing you. You can go to Nashville and see a country music singer or Michael W. Smith or Casting Crowns, in a grocery store line and its not that big of a deal,” says Cameron. “But, if you’re from somewhere else and you come here as a visitor and you’re looking for people that you’ve seen on TV, then it is perhaps a little more exciting. So, it’s really no different for me. I run around signing an autograph here and there, but for the most part I can run errands and do my thing.”

To learn more about the film and find a theater near you, click here.

Copyright © 2014 by CJ Powers

GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME — Review

Glen CampbellSeldom do I recommend a documentary, as most fall short of great entertainment value. However, after watching GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME, I felt compelled to let everyone know that it’s a picture worth seeing – especially for Glen Campbell fans. (In theaters October 24, 2014.)

The documentary follows Campbell on his “Goodbye Tour” that was a part of his and his family’s way of combatting his Alzheimer’s disease. He was diagnosed in 2011 and chose to go public, making history as the first celebrity to share his experience with the world.

The intense drama and the love of fans rooting him on gave rise to joyful tears, as I watched Glen and his wife Kim demonstrate unwavering love and devotion to each other through the tour. Even the doctors were amazed by how well Glen performed in spite of his memory loss, as if music was a special gift entwined by God into the fabric of his soul.

Glen and Ashley CampbellOther highlights included Glen’s daughter Ashley performing a feature piece with him and his kids Cal, Shannon and Ashley participating in the band. Heartfelt on-screen comments were also shared by Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, and Taylor Swift among many others.

The film opens with rare vintage footage that reminds us of how humble, upbeat and happy of a man Glen was, especially on stage. With the tone set, the film openly shares struggles and celebrations Glen walked through during his tour, climaxing with his latest song, “I’m Not Gonna Miss You.”

Director and Producer, James Keach, is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Yale School of Drama. He appeared in over fifty feature films and has produced and directed theater in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

James produced many films, but his recent favorite “Walk the Line” captured a nomination by the Producer’s Guild of America for Motion Picture Producer of the Year. Walk the Line also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture and generated Reese Witherspoon’s Academy Award for Best Actress.

Glen CampbellWhen asked, James shared his final thoughts about the project and his experience…

“Here was a man that was told to hang up his guitar, go home and enjoy what life he had left. But he wanted to sing, laugh, make love, play music and celebrate life until it was taken from him. Glen always had a joke on hand, and was the most brilliant, country boy I had ever met. He called his disease “part timers,” and he always maintained a strong sense of humor and spirit. Glen defied all odds and performed 151 shows over a two-year period. We shot over 1,300 hours of footage of the tour. There were ups and downs, but the highs far outweighed the lows. Glen was full of love and light, and even in the darkest times of his confusion, he always showed signs of his true self.

“This is the most important film I have made in my career. In witnessing the Campbell family’s journey, I learned so many life lessons. Glen has taught me to love, and to truly live in the moment.”

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hopes 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 — Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Signed, Sealed, DeliveredHallmark’s new Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a crowning achievement for the network. It’s the best family-friendly series I’ve seen in years. Reminiscent of Touched by an Angel, this drama/romantic comedy brings faith, hope and love to the screen.

This original series follows the lives of four postal detectives who track down intended recipients of mail from the dead letter office. Their mission takes them on a humanity-based adventure that solves crimes, reunites love, and impacts the future of each letter’s recipient.

Signed, Sealed, DeliveredThe cast was perfectly selected for this charming series. Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), is the genius postal detective and the group’s leader who loves to quote Shakespeare. Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), is the polite techno-maverick in the group that brings a level of sensibility to each situation. Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) is the beautiful girl next door that dresses down to suit her inner geek and 100% memory recall. And, Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), is a nerdish master in research methods.

The series airs Sundays on the Hallmark Channel. Each episode features new guests and heartwarming situations. This Sunday’s episode is The Future Me, which is both artistic and charming, with a little sitcom tossed in.

I’ve got to say that the series production designer Renee Read and cinematographer Adam Sliwinski did a fabulous job creating a look that brings the audience into this rich, unique Martha Williamson (Touched by an Angel) world. Unfortunately the director didn’t seem to trust the impeccable script and pushed the show a couple times past the dramatic heartwarming feel, turning it into a sappy sitcom.

Regardless of the poor direction, the writing and character development brings hope to the audience. The characters also add to the value of the series as great role models who demonstrate how to show respect to everyone they meet. This unique combination is not only uplifting, but is also safe for the entire family.

Watch the preview for this Sunday’s show by clicking here.